Cactus in Iowa

This series of pictures shows the traits and presence of the prickly pear cactus in different seasons in its natural habitat of sand dunes in Eddyville, Iowa. 

• How did the prickly pear end up in the dunes?  

• What specific traits do these cacti have that give them a competitive advantage over other plants in the area? 
• What environmental conditions allow for their growth in the dunes and not in other locations in Iowa?
• What conservation management strategies would enhance or limit the proliferation of the prickly pear cactus in the dunes? 
• How does the type of soil impact the survival of the prickly pear cactus? 

Students could:

• Use quadrant sampling and soil testing of different areas around the schoolyard to make comparisons of the plant and soil diversity.  
• Use the data from their sampling to construct explanations (using claim, evidence and reasoning) of why certain plants are found where they are located.
• Predict the biodiversity/organisms of a specific area in the Eddyville Dunes or their schoolyard in 20 years based on reproductive advantage and competition of resources.