Biodiversity Activity: 1. Read directions as a class 2. Perform Activity 3. Discussion

Kangaroo Rat: Why They're Endangered: Agricultural development in the 1950s were the first of this species' problems, when farmers began pest-control tactics against the kangaroo rats. More recent oil and natural gas exploration has also been suggested as a culprit for further deaths.

Black-Footed Ferret: Why They're Endangered: Many of the black footed ferrets' natural prey - prairie dogs, specifically - have been hunted by North American settlers, decreasing their sources of food. In 1985, there were only 10 known black footed ferrets still surviving in the wilds.

Iberian Lynx: Why They're Endangered: A great amount of threats surround the Iberian Lynx. First, diseases that swept through the population in the 1950's and then the 1980's, followed by loss of habitat, illegal hunting, poison baits and traps set up for other animals.

Beluga Whale: Why They're Endangered: The main cause of the decline in the Beluga population was unregulated hunting, in addition to human water pollution, disease and oil spills. Why They're Endangered: The main cause of the decline in the Beluga population was unregulated hunting, in addition to human water pollution, disease and oil spills.

Fennec Fox: Why They're Endangered: This one is a bit of a cheat, seeing as fennec foxes are thankfully no longer classified as an endangered species. However, they are still under threats of being hunted and traded by humans. Plus, they're so darn cute!

Red Panda: Why They're Endangered: Deforestation is the main cause of this adorable red panda's decline in population, but other factors that endanger the species include being hunted, and pollutants that damage the soil and plants.

Echinacea: Not incidentally, echinacea is currently the top selling herbal supplement in America. Garden Guide explains why: "More than just another pretty face among the wildflowers, Echinacea Purpurea (and other varieties of the plant) has long been used by Native Americans and Europeans as a booster of the immune system, potent preventer of colds and flu, and fighter of infections such as bronchitis, all in one." Garden Guide explains Garden Guide explains

Fom Fungus: Fomitopsis officinalis combats smallpox and other diseases, the Native Americans used it

Chinese Caterpillar Fungus: Chinese Caterpillar Fungus The fungus has traditionally been used as a tonic to strengthen the human body and in the treatment of kidney and lung problems. It has also been shown to possess a variety of medicinal effects by recent studies, e.g. immunomodulating, hypocholesterolemic, hypoglycemic, anti-tumor, anti- oxidation and anti-aging activities. Natural products of O. sinensis is now sold at a price higher than the gold.

Honey Bee Don’t Care: Not only produces honey! As a pollinator of flowing plants, scientists fear that extinction of these endangered organisms could lead to extinction of certain fruits

American Ginseng: American Ginseng can be found around here. It can improve memory, concentration, and thinking skills. It has been shown to improve SAT scores.

Cone Snail: Cone Snail- Not Actually endangered Cone snails use venom to paralyze their prey. The venom does this by blocking certain channels in the body. Some of these channels are related to how our brains perceive pain. Scientists have been able to separate toxins from the venom mixture, sequence and purify the peptides, and modify the toxins to only work on certain channels related to pain. Drugs are being developed from this venom that can block specific pain that is otherwise untreatable or poorly managed. Current research is focused on finding successful ways to use cone snail venom to help people. Cone snails use venom to paralyze their prey. The venom does this by blocking certain channels in the body. Some of these channels are related to how our brains perceive pain. Scientists have been able to separate toxins from the venom mixture, sequence and purify the peptides, and modify the toxins to only work on certain channels related to pain. Drugs are being developed from this venom that can block specific pain that is otherwise untreatable or poorly managed. Current research is focused on finding successful ways to use cone snail venom to help people. PrialtPrialt is a drug currently available that was made from Conus magus and acts on calcium channels. It is mainly used to treat pain experienced by cancer patients. Conus magus PrialtConus magus

Conclusion: If you had known more about each of the endangered species, would you have used the money the same way? Why/why not? Can you figure out the value of an organism by looking at it? Why might it be worth studying how cockroaches climb walls, or how jellyfish know where they are going?