This activity may be done as a field observation, hands-on classroom activity or research activity. Students will then predict possible impacts on plant populations based on observed evidence. After learning about the purple loosestrife project and Galerucella beetles, students will release these natural enemies in the wetland area. Terms Herbivory, predators, indigenous and nonindigenous species. Background Ecosystems evolve a balance between their many species.
Predation is a part of that natural balance.
Indigenous plant and animal populations are kept in check by indigenous predators. Invading species threaten ecosystems because invaders frequently do not have predators. The invaders often have the ability to disrupt the existing ecological balance, dominate an area and have adverse unforeseen consequences. Purple loosestrife is an invading species with few if any local natural predators. The USDA has approved the Galerucella beetle, a natural predator from Europe for use in Purple loosestrife control.