Observations of adaptations and invasive species in the area surrounding Gates Park.

Deroceras reticulatum

Part A: Invertebrate Variation

What adaptations allow them to survive in their environment? List several structures and explain how the structure allows the organism to survive and thrive in its environment. You will need to do some research.

The grey field slug (deroceras recticulatum) are hygroscopic. That means they are covered in two kinds of liquid. The first is a thin layer. The second liquid they produce is a thick mucus that coats its whole body. The mucus is made by secreting a mix of proteins and sugars through its foot and combining it with water. This mucus can protect the slug against predators such as some birds, beetles, and squirrels. The mucus tends to discourage a slug’s predators. The mucus can make it hard for the bird to pick up and hold by its beak, and the mucus itself does not exactly taste good the birds. Slugs can use their mucus to stick to pretty much anywhere. This gives them the ability to travel upside down, up a tree, on branches, and more. Though slugs are similar to snails they don’t have a shell. Slug scan move almost twice as fast as snails, not having a shell gives them extra speed. Them not having a shell also gives them the ability to maneuver into small spaces to hide easily. Slugs need a moist habitat to survive. They thrive in damp soil or on wet plants. When the weather is dry slugs tend to rest deep into the soil where the soil is still moist, under logs, moist plants, or under tree bark so that they stay moist.

Part B: Invasive Plant Species

Impatiens

The original (native) habitat of this species is located in the tropics of Asia though they are widely distributed in Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America.

Impatiens were introduced into foreign habitats because the seeds tend to fly out and it populates the surrounding areas. The ripe seedpods can burst off the flower even through slight pressure causing the seeds to scatter. These Flowers have been given the nickname of touch-me-nots because even with the slightest touch, seeds will fall out, even onto areas you don’t want them. The seeds will then start growing, which is why they spread fast, the seeds tend to fall out easily.

Impatiens have flourished in its new habitat because they need moist and well draining soil and deep shade to grow. Thought they still need some sun to grow, they do not do as well in full sun. These plants originated in the tropics of Asia I believe their new habitats can be a lot better for them to flourish in. For example, here in BC its a great place for them to grow because our soil is never totally dry due to the amount of rain we get. BC also is not as warm as Asia is (original habitat) so the plant won’t dry out due to too much time under the sunlight.

Impatiens are an invasive species. They are capable of causing extensions to other native plants and animals. Due to the quick spread of impatience they tend to colonize riverbanks, wastelands, damp woodlands, roadways and railways. Studies show that they occupy over 13% of riverbanks in Wales and England. This plant offers a great Supply of nectar two pollinators. This plant could possibly attract pollinators and it will take them away from other nectar supplying plants.

One method used to try and control this invasive species is to cut them and trimming them back if they are spreading and growing in areas you don’t want them to grow. Another method used to try and control this invasive species is pruning the plants. People can also inspect and remove the plant and ensure the area isn’t contaminated with seeds from the plant to prevent further growth.

slug information:

https://slate.com/technology/2009/04/the-life-story-of-a-slug.html

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/deroceras-reticulatum

https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/85752

https://axcela.lonza.com/slugs-and-snails/deroceras-reticulatum

Impatiens information:

https://www.britannica.com/plant/Impatiens

https://blog.gardeningknowhow.com/gardening-pros-cons/balsam-flower-planting-pros-and-cons/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4669169/

http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/regional-planning/PlanningPublications/HimalayanBalsamBMP.pdf