Introduction to Ecology & Biomes

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Fjords of Norway by Alex Strohl — The Artbo
FJORDS OF NORWAY - Alex Strohl - Nature photographer ~follow him on Instagram

 INTRODUCTION: We have spent the past several weeks examining life under water - first in rivers, then flowing into the world of oceans and salt water. We have examined what life in the different layers of the ocean is like, as well as some of the key issues and complex problems that face these aquatic communities.  Hopefully this has piqued your interest, and you will continue to pay attention to these important issues and species.

Now, as we start the month of May, we are ready to move back onto land, and to explore issues related to biodiversity and ecological communities in more detail.  We will explore the basic biomes that exist on earth, including close-ups on forests, and learn more about our own local Temperate Rainforest biome in more detail.

We will continue to emphasize the beauty, the wonder, the inspiration, and the healing that can be found in nature.  We will try and shift our thinking from one where we try and "control nature" or 'rule over it', into a relationship with nature that is more symbiotic and appreciative.

We need nature.  Our forests, our oceans, our deserts, our glaciers.....  I hope that as you continue to remain at home, doing important work to keep our communities healthy, that you will have time to reflect on your personal relationship to the natural world, and how you might engage with it more closely, when we start to return to 'normal'.

WHAT WILL WE STUDY IN OUR NEXT UNIT?

 Again, similar to our last unit, our study of Geography 12 is about a survey approach, learning the basics of many different topics, so that you can pursue areas of interest and personal curiosities.  We will explore issues related to:

biodiversity - what makes plants grow and thrive in different places on earth? where and why do certain species live in terms of habitat.  natural/unnatural phenomena like wildfires, extinctions, vegetation, as well as environmental issues like desertification and deforestation.

We will study amazing solutions and inventions that are taking place as well, to help us remember that our planet earth is sick, but not doomed. Our choices and decisions can make a difference.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO THIS WEEK? 

 This week will be a quick introduction to ecology and species and biodiversity, by watching some videos and taking a quick look into a few species of interest.  Next week we will briefly explore the different planetary biomes, as well as the basics behind their distribution.  If you are studying for AP Biology, some of this will be recall and review for you! 

  • Watch the videos in all sections - take your time, think about the content. 
  • Complete the activity in Part D

You will also be asked to get out into nature a bit in the next couple of weeks, if you are allowed with your family.  My hope is that this can be a time where you connect intellectually to our learning, but also physically.  More info to come.

PART A: A LITTLE PHILOSOPHY

 "We are all on a small, little planet, and we all have a similar reaction to the universe we live in. Wow. I think there is something special.. unifying about that.  It's a great reminder that we should look up more often."

This is an exceptional short film: A New View of the Moon that explores the notion of our planet, the moon and perspective. It's less than 3 minutes.  Let's start here as a way of getting our heads in the right mindset.  If you enjoy it, his award-winning film on building a solar system to scale in the Nevada desert is well well worth a watch.


Now, let's bring this back to Geography.  Why are you (still!) participating in this course?  If the answer doesn't come quickly, remind yourself by reading about this Happiness Study.  Want to reduce stress?  Want more positive emotions?  Spend more time in nature, watching nature, and doing your Geography homework!  Insert smile-face emoji.

Watch the following video, and pay attention to the science and psychology findings that they present.  In particular:
  • Why is learning and looking at the natural world good for our mental health? 

Feeling good?  Here are a couple more beautiful links that may make you feel good - Beautiful Earth and this one, the World's Most Relaxing Film.  Can't get outside and got homework to do?  Play this nature sounds track in the background - 30million people say it's good to study to =)

PART B: THE SCIENCE: A BIT ABOUT BIODIVERSITY


As part of this unit on biomes and biodiversity, let's explore the notion of Why Biodiversity is Important and how biodiversity is protected and fostered.  It creates a segway between a key case study of this unit - rainforests - and links it to a previous topic of study - the health of coral reefs. 

"Biodiversity - Earth's own safety net, to safeguard our survival"


Where are biodiversity hotspots located?  Skim the following websites and maps





PART C: HOW SERIOUS ARE ISSUES OF BIODIVERSITY AND EXTINCTION?


What about extinctions?  This is a topic that inevitably comes up when we discuss biodiversity, but how much do you actually know about the concept and patterns of extinctions?  It's important for us to know the basics, so that we can analyse events that take place in the natural world, and understand the complexity of their existence.  For example - why our natural forest fires essential to the health of many types of forests?  Pay attention to the following concepts as you watch the next video:  Are We Living in the 6th Extinction?

  • Invasive Species
  • Mass extinction events in history - what % of the species on earth are now extinct?
  • Rate of current extinctions - "6th extinction" - are we in it? 
  • The Anthropocene - what's causing it? 

"There is not a group of things today that is not threatened by the current and coming extinction, and that includes us."  That's a tough quote to read. 

 Continuing on, "extinction is more than just being about the rhinos, tigers, mountain gorillas and other charismatic species.  That's important, but it's not just that. We need to care about the humble beetles, ugly worms and slimy frogs.  Every species... is worth saving."

TASK:  Go to the World Wildlife List of Endangered Species


Choose three animals/species to explore.  Investigate and then save your notes for an upcoming week.
  •  where they live
  • their status on the list
  • causes of endangerment/threats, and 
  • possible ways to help

PART D: THE WONDER OF NATURE

The key solution to solving complex issues remains EDUCATION - not just about the issues at hand, but also about the incredible power that exist in the natural world.   Let's go back to the idea of our opening video - about inspiring wonder, and about the commonalities that we share as humans in the way that we interact with the world. 

This week is Mental Health week at Moscrop, so rather than post the sad stories about endagered animals - we will come back to them - We are going to try and shift our thinking and focus on nature's wonder and resiliency. 

WEEK 5 ACTIVITY: FIND AN AMAZING, RESILIENT SPECIES!

POST YOUR RESPONSE ON TEAMS WHEN YOU ARE COMPLETE- FOLLOW ALL THE STEPS

Step 1 - Research 
Do some research - you are looking for a species that captures your attention.  They should demonstrate resiliency & adaptability, and they should be a species that you think are pretty cool.  It can be plant, animal, insect, etc. - land or aquatic based.


Here are some sources to get you started, skim them all, and use your own links if you want 

The Oldest Living Things in the World: Video


The Tartigrade - World's Most Indestructible Species

Top Ten Most Resilient Animals on Earth

The Animals that will survive Climate Change

The World's Oldest Forests


Step 2 - Once you have chosen a species that you believe is adaptable/inspiring/resilient/strong - find a great photo of it that you can include in your post

Step 3-  Describe your choice 
  • Briefly describe the species (what and where is it, how old is it, etc.)
  • Explain a few of its adaptations that have helped it survive/thrive/show its resilience 
  • Explain why its pretty amazing (and even inspiring/hopeful!) to you

Step 4 - POST ON TEAMS under 'Amazing, Adaptive Species' channel

You are done for the week!  We will do a quick overview of the world's major biomes next week and focus on forests.




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