by A Eskalen, S Lynch
Resource Type: MSM article
Source: LA Times 11/30/2017
Grades: Middle School and High School
This LA Times op-ed article describes the enormous risks that the shothole borer presents for native and urban trees. Because the beetle can thrive in so many different species, it has the potential to kill more than one-third of the trees in the LA region. Article closes with suggestions for slowing the beetle’s destructive spread.
Phenomena:
Invasive pests
Predatory interactions
DCIs:
LS4.C: Adaptation
LS4.D: Biodiversity and humans
Notes:
- Easy-to-understand editorial about the dangers of shothole borer.
- Some facts may be out of date. Opportunity for research into current situation.
Driving questions:
- What evolutionary pressure is the shothole borer creating on native species?
- What impacts is the shothole borer (and other invasive pests) having on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning?
Topics: California, mortality, pests and diseases, and shothole borer
Features: