Form groups of three students. –In your own words define the following terms: –1.Bio –2.Diversity –3.Endangered

Endangered Biodiversity Bio- means life. Diversity -means composed of distinct or unlike elements or qualities Endangered- a species threatened with extinction; broadly : anyone or anything whose continued existence is threatened

How do we define biodiversity? In the very simplest terms, "biodiversity" means the diversity of life on our planet, which includes genetic diversity, species diversity, and habitat diversity. A little more specifically : "The sum total of all the plants, animals (including humans), fungi and microorganisms, along with their individual variations and the interactions between them. It is the set of living organisms and their genetic basis that make up the fabric of the planet earth and allow it to function as it does, by capturing energy from the sun and using it to drive all of life's processes."

What can we do to protect biodiversity? In your groups make a list of actions that can protect biodiversity. Plants and animals should be included in your list. Be specific about your plan of action.

Go to the following sites and find out what other people are doing to protect biodiversity

And now… You will be responsible of making a presentation about how to preserve biodiversity. Now go to : IPS/gather.htmlhttp:// IPS/gather.html And fill in worksheet #2 IPS/identify.htmhttp:// IPS/identify.htm And fill in worksheet #3 for your report.

Just in case... Just in case you need more information regarding our topic look at the following slides before your presentation.

Ways to preserve biodiversity 1.Reduce habitat loss. The number one reason for declining biodiversity is habitat loss––the destruction of the places where animals and plants live and get the nutrients, water and living space they need for survival. We can counteract the loss of habitat by setting aside land as parks, preserves and natural areas. 2. Control non-native plants and animals. When introduced into new areas, non-native plants or animals (also called alien species or exotics) can hurt the native plants and animals. Alien species, such as kudzu and starlings, do not have natural predators or diseases to control their populations. They quickly take over new areas, reducing the native biodiversity. Also, feral animals––pets and farm animals allowed to run wild––can destroy wildlife habitats and kill large numbers of wildlife every year. Scientists estimate that feral cats kill over a billion small mammals and hundreds of millions of birds in the United States each year. 3. Reduce pollution. Oil spills are one very obvious kind of pollution that can kill a large number of living things. But there are other, less obvious kinds of pollution that also reduce biodiversity worldwide. Overuse of insecticides and fertilizers is one example. Gases from power plants, cars, trucks, and airplanes that cause acid rain and global warming is another. People can help by limiting the amount of insecticides and fertilizers they put on their lawns, by cutting down on the number of trips taken in the family car, and by reducing their use of electricity.

…Ways to preserve biodiversity 4. Limit human population growth. Every day, we add another 250,000 people to planet Earth. To provide food, clothing and shelter for all these people, we need to use more natural resources. For example, we cut down more forests and put up more shopping malls and housing developments. Population growth is a difficult issue because not everyone agrees on what to do about it. Some people choose to limit the size of their families. 5. Avoid over-consumption of natural resources. People are using up fossil fuels, forests, fish, soil, and water faster than Mother Nature can replace them. If people would learn to reduce, reuse and recycle, our natural resources would last longer. This would also mean more living space for plants and animals and their natural communities.

GOOD JOB!