Resources: A large tape measure (10m), quadrat, a hula hoop and clip boards (optional) access to large open space. A paper version of a “field” could be used if it isn’t feasible to go to a field.*
Core Handout: A ‘sampling biodiveristy’ investigation sheet.
Use the previous lesson to recap on the impact of human activity on the environment, including the loss of biodiversity and the importance of conservation.
Ask the students: what does diversity mean? Where do we see examples of diversity? They are to discuss their ideas with their talk partners. Encourage them to come up with multiple examples of diversity, particularly where it is seen in nature.
Begin the presentation by recapping on what can affect the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Explore the impacts of climate change and human activity on different ecosystems before introducing sampling as a method to measure biodiversity. Collect data in the field to calculate total number of individuals.
Expert Film: Luke Farnish, an ecology student at the University of East Anglia, talks to Sam about the importance of biodiversity and the human impacts on ecosystems.
The students will try three different sampling methods to measure biodiversity. They will then evaluate each method for how accurate and reliable it is.
This Mission Assignment will need to be carried out in a wide open space, on a clear day.
Sampling is the name given to counting the number of different species and the number of individuals within each species. When the methods ask you to sample, you must count the number of individuals of the 5 most dominant species i.e. approximately 22,500* grass blades, 24 daisies, 10 dandelions, 9 buttercups and 3 mosses.
*count the number in one small square and multiply by the number of squares.
The students should then complete the evaluation handout.
Quadrat and transect:
Quadrat and coordinates:
Throwing the hula-hoop:
Support: Ask the students to use their data to calculate how many of each species there would be in a 10m x 10m area.
Challenge: Ask the students: can you calculate the total number of each species you sampled in the area you sampled? Do you think this is representative of the actual number and why?
Ask the students to research a particular endangered species to discover the importance of preserving that species and its habitat. This would help reinforce the idea that biodiversity is not just an abstract concept, but something that has real-world implications and consequences.
Biodiversity basically means having as many species on the planet as possible. Biodiversity pretty much describes the variation of life. It includes microorganisms, plants, animals and even ecosystems. It also takes into consideration the abundance of species living in a specific region at a time. It is important to maintain biodiversity as it sustains the environment and all life. It is also an important resource for human health. At least 80% of all medicines are derived from natural sources. We must maintain biodiversity so that we can learn to understand the benefits of this for the future too. Biodiversity also helps with providing food for the human population and other resources such as pharmaceuticals, wood, breeding stock and much more.
Biodiversity maintains the balance of ecosystems. For example, it aids in recycling, storage of nutrients, pollution control, stabilising the climate, protecting water resources and soil. All of this enables living organisms to thrive and have a better chance at survival. This is important as they can pass on their genes to their offspring after successful reproduction. It also provides a basis for tourism and cultural education. For example, zoos and conservation centres exist to provide both entertainment via tourism and scope for education and research too.
Biodiversity is also in danger which is why so many different conservation projects exist today. Different laws and measures are being put in place to facilitate this too. The reasons for the loss of biodiversity include habitat destruction, climate change, invasive species, pollution, human overpopulation and over-harvesting. Habitat destruction is caused by deforestation, pollution, overpopulation and global warming. Organisms are losing out and are struggling to adapt and thus survive in the ever-changing environment. This is why extinction is at its highest rate, especially in places like rainforests and coral reefs.
Healthy ecosystems can recover and withstand drastic changes in the environment a lot better than those that are not. Economic policies are being put in place to maintain biodiversity and appropriate measures are being taken to protect habitats and species. Humans rely on biodiversity as a basis of our existence. It is our very own life support system. Without ecosystems, climatic regulation, breakdown of waste, the filter and purification of water, soil fertility, air purification, natural resources and food would be virtually impossible to regulate and maintain. Ecosystems do this for us. If we continue to destroy them, these services will be disrupted.