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Invasive Species Profile

Choose an invasive species that interests you and answer the questions below. There are some excellent invasive species websites that you can use for finding information. However, in order to avoid biased or inaccurate information, be careful in choosing internet sites—they should be from government agencies, universities, or reputable conservation organizations with scientists on their staff. There are links on Moodle to help you get started in your search.

1. Name of species (common AND scientific names).

Killer Algae (Cualerpa taxifollia)

2. From what country or continent did this species originate?

Hawaii, East Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Seychelles, Bermuda, Coasts of Caribbean, Eastern Australia, Lord Howe Island, Montebello Islands, Western Australia, Sir Edward Pellow Island Group, South China, Fiji, North India, Red Sea, Gulf of Suez, New Caledonia, and Maldives.

3. How was it introduced? Was it introduced accidentally or on purpose?

Killer Algae was accidentally introduced into the via waste-water released from aquariums, ballast water, water used to stabilize cargo ships, and net fouling.

4. When and where was it introduced or first discovered?

1984, Monaco

5. What is its current distribution in its country or continent? You can draw/attach a map or describe the region of the country or continent where it is present.

6. What conditions allowed the species to spread (e.g., lack of predators, favorable habitat)?

Because the strain was selectively bred it is capable it has a vast ecological niche, it can survive in a wide range of temperatures and light conditions and can survive in very deep water and is capable of rapidly reproducing and can grow stems from pieces of itself.

7. What characteristics of the organism allow it to invade natural habitat and displace native species?

Its ecological niche, caulerpenyne toxin, lack of predators, and swift reproduction, the alga can survive outside...