Invasive Terrestrial Plants

Children's Literature - Jamaica Johnson Conner

When you hear the word "pest," what comes to your mind? A gnat? A mouse? A fly? What characteristics of these creatures make them nuisances? Gnats buzz around faces, mice invade houses, eat food, and spread diseases, and flies buzz around the house and food while spreading diseases, as well. These characteristics certainly substantiate the belief that these creatures are pests. However, animals and insects are not the only life forms that can cause problems. According to May's text, plants can cause big problems too. May explains the dangers of introducing a plant from another country into a new ecosystem, and the benefits/dangers of using insects (biological control) and fire to destroy the invasive vegetation. She also dedicates three chapters to specific plants: spotted knapweed, saltcedar, and yellow starthistle. Part of the "Invasive Species" series, this text offers an informative look on these dangerous plants, provides a glossary, a bibliography, suggestions for further reading, and an index. In addition to the vibrant, full-color photographs, unfamiliar words are in bold print and defined in context. The readability for the text is appropriate for high school level, so this piece would be ideal for a biology course.