Ecology and Biosphere

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 INTRODUCTION: 


We have spent the past few months examining life connected water - first in glaciers, then 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 course has piqued your interest, and you will continue to pay attention to these important issues and species.

Now, as we finish the last three weeks of the course, 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 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 this weird school year, 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'.

 

THE SCIENCE: A BIT ABOUT BIODIVERSITY


As part of this unit on ecology & 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





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."


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. 

Rather than think about the sad stories about endangered animals - we will come back to them - We are going to try and shift our thinking and focus on nature's wonder and resiliency. 

ACTIVITY: FIND AN AMAZING, RESILIENT SPECIES!

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, tree, 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

Step 3-  Describe your choice 
  • Briefly identify something you learned about Biodiversity or Species Extinction that was new information for you
  • 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


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