Why Is Kudzu So Successful? - A Data-Driven Investigation of Invasive Species Success

<p style="border:none"><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span new="" roman="" style="font-family:" times="">This activity introduces invasion ecology through a data-driven investigation of kudzu (<em>Pueraria montana</em>). Students interpret graphs on herbivory, growth, and distribution to evaluate hypotheses such as enemy release and resource advantage. This activity is adaptable for courses with or without access to field sites. An optional field component allows students to collect herbivory data on invasive and native plants. </span></span></span></span></span></p>