Why Do Species Invade?
Queen Anne’s Lace is an invasive species because it matures faster than the surrounding plants and can outcompete other species.
Location
Metro Waste Authority Environmental Learning Center, Runnells, Iowa
Possible Guiding, Compelling and/or Anchoring Questions
- How does a plant that doesn’t originate here get here?
- How might animals spread the seeds of Queen Anne’s Lace?
- How can plants be in one area and grow in another area the next year?
- How are other plants affected when invasive species are in the area?
Classroom Suggestions
- Create a story, poem, song or play about how animals can transfer seeds from one plant to another area.
- Research how different animals or insects can transfer seeds or pollen from flowers and plants.
- Build a model of an animal that can demonstrate how seeds or pollen can be transferred in an ecosystem.
Related Resources
- USDA Plants Database: This USDA plants database entry contains data and facts regarding Queen Anne’s Lace (Daucus Carota L.).
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: Natural Resources Stewardship: This article contains information about the most common invasive species in Iowa.
- University of Minnesota Extension Identify Invasive Species site: This article contains information on identifying Queen Anne’s Lace as an invasive species.
Iowa Core Alignment
2-LS2-2:Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants
Credit Info
Submitted by Karla St. John and Amber Fairbanks as part of their Iowa STEM Teacher Externship experience at Iowa PBS.
Location courtesy of Metro Waste Authority.
Media produced by Iowa PBS.
Funding for Iowa Science Phenomena provided by:
