Biodiversity: Life’s Web of Balance
Biodiversity: Life’s Web of Balance
Lesduur is: 50 minOnderdelen in deze les
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.
