This video explores what happens when exotic animal and plant species are introduced into ecosystems, and the impact of introduced species on biodiversity. [9:56]

Khan Academy learning modules include a Community space where users can ask questions and seek help from community members. Educators should consult with their Technology administrators to determine the use of Khan Academy learning modules in their classroom. Please review materials from external sites before sharing with students.

This video segment, adapted from NOVA, describes the energy flow in a coral reef, including its food web.

In this adapted video segment, ZOOM guest Tommy takes us on a tour of the Florida Everglades. He describes what makes a wetland biome unique, including the soil, precipitation, and biodiversity. [2:53]

Students read an article titled "The Sixth Extinction" by Niles Eldredge on past mass extinctions and the current rate of loss of species. The instructor can choose from a suite of activities which include having students respond to discussion and extension questions about the article, write an essay on the article defending Eldredge's view, create an extinction chart, and debate the actions of stakeholders faced with an endangered species vs. human water needs scenario. Students will need to research additional references to complete the activities and be prepared to defend their positions.

What are GMOs? How is genetic modification done? Can genetic modification help to reduce the impact of human activities on natural systems? Plasmids are DNA that determine the traits of bacteria. Transform bacteria by inserting a plasmid and examine the results of this transformation. Compare this process to the techniques currently used in food production.

In this field lab students will investigate the biodiversity around their school. Students will perform a biodiversity count using transect line. The students will develop multiple hypotheses relating to biodiversity and propose additional procedures for studying, collecting and testing these questions.

This is a lesson designed by a biology teacher. In it, students use maps and evidence of island age, molecular genetics, morphology, and distance apart to determine how the islands came to be occupied by different species of lizards. It will take some time and requires extensive background knowledge.

In this jigsaw activity, students of intermediate-level French will divide into five groups to become experts on each of the five biodiversity questions featured on the Curiosphere website. They will proceed to explain their assigned aspect of the issue to a small group of students.

This article highlights lessons that help K-grade 5 students understand that animals and plants can only survive in certain environments.The lessons support the theme of an issue of the free online magazine Beyond Weather and the Water Cycle. The theme is "We Depend on Earth's Climate."

University of California site showcases how different types of organisms exist on the Earth and the history of life.

This is a very good introduction to the role evolution plays in the development of biodiversity. These topics and extinction are explained with the use of colorful interactive pictures.

Meiosis is the process by which gametes (eggs and sperm) are made. Gametes have only one set of chromosomes. Therefore, meiosis involves a reduction in the amount of genetic material. Each gamete has only half the chromosomes of the original germ cell. Explore meiosis with a computer model of dragons. Run meiosis, inspect the chromosomes, then choose gametes to fertilize. Predict the results of the dragon offspring and try to make a dragon without legs. Learn why all siblings do not look alike.

Students explore the relationships between genetics, biodiversity, and evolution through a simple activity involving hypothetical wild mouse populations. First, students toss coins to determine what traits a set of mouse parents possesses, such as fur color, body size, heat tolerance, and running speed. Next they use coin tossing to determine the traits a mouse pup born to these parents possesses. These physical features are then compared to features that would be most adaptive in several different environmental conditions. Finally, students consider what would happen to the mouse offspring if those environmental conditions were to change: which mice would be most likely to survive and produce the next generation?

In this biology field experience, students will explore trees of Minnesota. Working in cooperative groups, students will discover biodiversity of trees and determine populations of tree species through observation and use of dichotomous keys.

This interactive site on Seychelles discusses species diversity and much more! Learn all about how an island forms, how supercontinents divide, and why this atoll boasts both giant and miniature forms of species.

An ant specialist? Yes! Meet naturalist E.O. Wilson who specialized in the study of ants and who presented some controversial ideas. Learn more by watching the included video, and by visiting the main site.

Companion to a PBS program in the Nova series. There are wonderful photos of the Lechuguilla cave system in New Mexico, and some new information on how caves are formed.

Find a wealth of scientific information on the status of biodiversity in the world today, the threats it faces, and why it is critically important to preserve it.

Learn about the diversity of species on Earth by exploring a cladogram, a graph-like tree of life that illustrates relatedness among species. Includes instructions for reading cladograms and a pie chart that summarizes the percentages of the world's living things that belong to select classifications.

Find information about diversity among genes, species, and ecosystems that helps answer questions about the importance of biodiversity and how we can save species from extinction.