Exploring Ecosystem Biodiversity: A Global Perspective

Biology Grades High School 4:14 Video
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Lesson Description

This lesson explores the concept of ecosystem biodiversity, emphasizing the uniqueness of ecosystems and the importance of their conservation. Students will learn about the different factors that contribute to ecosystem diversity and the interconnectedness of ecosystems on a global scale.

Video Resource

Ecosystem biodiversity

California Academy of Sciences

Duration: 4:14
Watch on YouTube

Key Concepts

  • Ecosystem Diversity
  • Species Composition
  • Ecosystem Function
  • Conservation Strategies
  • Interconnectedness of Ecosystems

Learning Objectives

  • Define ecosystem diversity and explain its importance in maintaining global biodiversity.
  • Compare and contrast similar-looking ecosystems in different geographical locations, focusing on species composition and ecosystem function.
  • Evaluate different conservation strategies and their potential impacts on ecosystem stability and biodiversity.
  • Explain the interconnectedness of different types of ecosystems and the implications of disrupting these interactions.

Educator Instructions

  • Introduction (5 mins)
    Begin by asking students what they understand by 'biodiversity'. Show the video 'Ecosystem biodiversity' by the California Academy of Sciences. Briefly explain the video's focus on ecosystem diversity and its importance for conservation decisions.
  • Video Analysis and Discussion (15 mins)
    After watching the video, facilitate a class discussion focusing on the following points: * What are the key factors that define an ecosystem? * How can similar-looking ecosystems differ in terms of species composition? * What does the video mean by 'ecosystem functions'? * Why is it important to consider ecosystem diversity in conservation strategies?
  • Case Studies: Coral Reefs (15 mins)
    Use the example of coral reefs mentioned in the video to illustrate ecosystem diversity. Discuss how coral reefs in different regions (e.g., Philippines, Caribbean, Great Barrier Reef) have different species compositions despite performing similar ecosystem functions. Research and present examples of unique species found in each of these reef systems.
  • Conservation Debate (10 mins)
    Divide the class into two groups. One group will argue for focusing conservation efforts on the most biodiverse example of each ecosystem type. The other group will argue for maximizing the protection of as many ecosystems as possible. Encourage students to use evidence from the video and their own research to support their arguments.
  • Conclusion (5 mins)
    Summarize the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of considering ecosystem diversity in conservation decisions. Reinforce the idea that protecting multiple ecosystems and their interactions is crucial for maintaining global biodiversity.

Interactive Exercises

  • Ecosystem Mapping
    Students will create a map showing the distribution of different ecosystem types around the world. They will then research and label the map with examples of unique species found in each ecosystem.
  • Biodiversity Index Calculation
    Provide students with data on the species composition of two different ecosystems. Students will calculate a simple biodiversity index (e.g., Shannon diversity index) for each ecosystem and compare the results.

Discussion Questions

  • Why is it not enough to preserve a single ecosystem as a 'museum of diversity'?
  • What are some potential consequences of focusing conservation efforts on only the most biodiverse examples of each ecosystem type?
  • How might changes in one ecosystem affect other ecosystems?
  • What are some actions that individuals can take to support ecosystem conservation?

Skills Developed

  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Analysis
  • Communication
  • Research
  • Problem-solving

Multiple Choice Questions

Question 1:

Which of the following best describes ecosystem diversity?

Correct Answer: The variety of different ecosystem types in a region.

Question 2:

According to the video, a coral reef in the Philippines will be different from a coral reef in the Caribbean primarily due to differences in:

Correct Answer: Species composition

Question 3:

What does 'ecosystem function' refer to?

Correct Answer: The specific roles organisms play within an ecosystem.

Question 4:

The video argues that focusing conservation efforts solely on the most biodiverse example of an ecosystem is:

Correct Answer: Potentially detrimental to the stability of other ecosystems.

Question 5:

Which of the following is an important factor to consider when developing conservation strategies?

Correct Answer: The interconnectedness of different ecosystems.

Question 6:

Why is high diversity among types of ecosystems important?

Correct Answer: It means there will be a high diversity of species themselves.

Question 7:

What is one of the reasons that inheritable genetic variations occur?

Correct Answer: Environmental factors.

Question 8:

What can changing conditions in ecosystems cause?

Correct Answer: All of the above.

Question 9:

What is something that you should keep in mind in management or conservation strategy?

Correct Answer: Ecosystem diversity.

Question 10:

What should you attempt to protect when it comes to interactions between ecosystems?

Correct Answer: Those interactions as well.

Fill in the Blank Questions

Question 1:

A distinct ________ is known when we see one.

Correct Answer: ecosystem

Question 2:

Most people are familiar with ecosystems in terms of where they are, that is, in terms of ________ distributions.

Correct Answer: ecosystem

Question 3:

High diversity among types of ecosystems means that there will also be a high diversity of ________ themselves.

Correct Answer: species

Question 4:

Each ________ is specialized to a type of ecosystem in a particular place.

Correct Answer: species

Question 5:

The science of measuring ________ diversity is still pretty young.

Correct Answer: ecosystem

Question 6:

Ecosystem ________ will be similar, but the species will be different in the Great Barrier Reef off Australia or reefs off Madagascar.

Correct Answer: functions

Question 7:

Each regional ecosystem has its own assemblage of ________.

Correct Answer: species

Question 8:

It's important to keep ecosystem ________ in mind in any management or conservation strategy.

Correct Answer: diversity

Question 9:

Complex ________ of interactions exist among the species that make each type of ecosystem unique.

Correct Answer: webs

Question 10:

There are complex webs of ________ among ecosystems themselves.

Correct Answer: interactions

Educational Standards

B.LS2.2:[Standard] Use mathematical representations to support and revise explanations based on evidence about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems of different scales. B.LS4.2:[Standard] Construct an explanation based on evidence that biological diversity is influenced by (1) the potential for a species to increase in number, (2) the heritable genetic variation of individuals in a species due to mutation and sexual reproduction, (3) competition for limited resources, and (4) the proliferation of those organisms that are better able to survive and reproduce in the environment. B.LS2.6:[Standard] Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.

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