Invasive Species & Red Squirrels - Interactive Activities

Reading Instructions

Before You Begin

Read the passage “Invasive Species and the Decline of Red Squirrels” in your book.
It is in Unlock 3 – Unit 1 - Reading 2 (sections by Student A, B, C, and D).

Discussion Activities

Discuss these questions with a partner or small group.

🌿 Invasive species

• How can invasive species arrive in a new area? What example does the text give?

• Why can they grow quickly, and how might they affect native plants and animals?

🐿️ Grey vs red squirrels in Britain

• Why were grey squirrels introduced in the 1870s? How common are reds and greys today?

• In what ways are grey squirrels described as pests? How does the law treat each type?

📊 Why reds have “lost out”

• What three differences does the passage give between red and grey squirrels?

• What is parapoxvirus, and how does it affect each squirrel?

⚖️ Conservation and opinions

• What solutions or problems does Student D mention (grey squirrel control, reintroduction, Isle of Wight)?

• Why might some people question spending government money on red squirrels in Britain?

Multiple Choice Quiz

Select the correct answer based on the reading passage.

1. According to Student A, invasive species are plants and animals which ______.

are always harmless in new environments arrive in an area where they are not native, often due to human activity only live in one country forever cannot travel between countries

2. Why are invasive species often able to grow quickly in their new homes?

Because they always have many natural enemies Because they have no natural enemies Because governments always protect them Because they only eat native plants

3. When were grey squirrels introduced to Britain?

In the 1670s In the 1770s In the 1870s In the 1970s

4. Why were grey squirrels introduced, according to Student B?

To replace red squirrels in forests Because rich people thought they looked fashionable in the gardens of large homes For official scientific research only They arrived only by accident on ships

5. About how many red squirrels remain in Britain today?

About 140,000 About 14,000 About 1.4 million About 40,000

6. Where are most red squirrels in Britain found today?

Mostly in England Mostly in Scotland Only in London Only in Wales

7. What difference does Student C give between where red and grey squirrels spend their time?

Red squirrels spend most of their time on the ground; grey squirrels live high in trees Red squirrels live high in the trees; grey squirrels spend most of their time on the ground Both spend equal time in trees and on the ground Only grey squirrels live in trees

8. Why can grey squirrels survive in an urban environment?

Because cities have no food Because of their ability to use food provided by humans Because red squirrels are not allowed in cities Because they never eat plants

9. What does Student C say about parapoxvirus?

Only grey squirrels carry it Both squirrels carry it; it does not seem to affect grey squirrels but is fatal to reds It kills grey squirrels but not red squirrels It does not affect either squirrel

10. According to Student D, what is one argument about government money and red squirrels?

Britain must always spend more on red squirrels than on any other animal Saving the red squirrel may be a waste of money; conservation funding could go to other endangered animals No one questions spending money on red squirrels The Isle of Wight refuses all red squirrels

Quiz Results

Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the list below.

1870s • contend • parapoxvirus • native • Scotland
urban • pests • reintroduced • enemies • ground

1. Invasive species are plants and animals which arrive in an area where they are not .

2. Invasive species often grow quickly because they have no natural .

3. Grey squirrels were introduced from North America in the .

4. Today, only about 140,000 red squirrels remain, mostly in .

5. Grey squirrels are seen as major due to the damage they cause to plants and houses.

6. Red squirrels live high in the trees, whereas grey squirrels spend most of their time on the .

7. Grey squirrels can survive in an environment because of their ability to use food provided by humans.

8. Both squirrels carry .

9. Red squirrels have been successfully from other countries.

10. Many British people would that destroying populations of grey squirrels is cruel.

Results

True or False

Decide if the statements are True or False according to the passage.

1. Grey squirrels were introduced from North America in the 1870s.

True False

2. Red squirrels spend most of their time on the ground, like grey squirrels.

True False

3. The virus does not seem to affect grey squirrels, but it is fatal to red squirrels.

True False

4. Worldwide, red squirrels are an endangered species.

True False

5. Red squirrels are protected, while grey squirrels can be legally trapped and destroyed.

True False