Biodiversity: Life’s Web of Balance

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• Biology
• Lower Secondary (Key Stage 3)

Biodiversity: Life’s Web of Balance

What do you already know about biodiversity?

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will be able to identify levels of biodiversity, explain organism roles in ecosystems, and discuss human impacts and conservation.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity means the variety of life – plants, animals, and microbes – in a particular place or on the whole planet.

Three Levels of Biodiversity

Biodiversity exists at genetic, species, and ecosystem levels. Each is important for a healthy Earth.

Levels of Biodiversity

Differences in genes among members of the same species. Example: Different breeds of dogs.

The variety of species in a habitat. Example: Many types of birds in a forest.

Species Diversity

Genetic Diversity

Ecosystem Diversity

Different habitats, such as deserts, forests, and rivers, all support unique communities.

Why is Biodiversity Important?

Biodiversity provides food, clean air, medicines, and helps ecosystems recover from disasters.

Organisms and Ecosystem Balance

Every species has a role, like pollinating plants, breaking down waste, or being food for others.

Examples of Organism Roles

Fungi and bacteria break down dead material, returning nutrients to the soil.

Plants make food using sunlight, starting the food chain.

Decomposers

Producers

Predators and Prey

Predators keep animal populations in balance. Prey species support food webs.

Human Impacts on Biodiversity

Humans affect biodiversity by clearing land, pollution, climate change, and introducing new species.

Habitat Loss

When forests or wetlands are removed, species lose their homes and may disappear.

Pollution and Climate Change

Pollution harms animals and plants. Climate change is making some places too hot, dry, or wet for certain species.

Conserving Biodiversity

Conservation means protecting habitats, saving endangered species, and using resources wisely.

How Can We Help?

We can reduce waste, plant native species, join clean-ups, and support nature reserves.

Reflection: Why Care About Biodiversity?

Think about how biodiversity affects your life and what you can do to protect it.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.