Promotes the benefits of maintaining a sustainable future for American forests. Outlines initiative to fight urban sprawl and its negative effects on the environment.

This video segment explores the world of the beaver, including the biology of the species and, more importantly, its ability to transform an ecosystem for its own benefit.

Biology 2e is designed to cover the scope and sequence requirements of a typical two-semester biology course for science majors. The text provides comprehensive coverage of foundational research and core biology concepts through an evolutionary lens. Biology includes rich features that engage students in scientific inquiry, highlight careers in the biological sciences, and offer everyday applications. The book also includes various types of practice and homework questions that help students understand—and apply—key concepts. The 2nd edition has been revised to incorporate clearer, more current, and more dynamic explanations, while maintaining the same organization as the first edition. Art and illustrations have been substantially improved, and the textbook features additional assessments and related resources.

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Define ecology and the four basic levels of ecological research
Describe examples of the ways in which ecology requires the integration of different scientific disciplines
Distinguish between abiotic and biotic components of the environment
Recognize the relationship between abiotic and biotic components of the environment

This site provides information on the different biomes of the Earth. There are links to related information and other topics.

Smithsonian Education presents Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine. Teachers can download this comprehensive teaching package in which students explore two marine ecosystems, the coral reefs of the Caribbean and the state of Maine's rocky coastline. This amazing teaching package comes complete with background information, pictures and maps, student handouts, teacher answer keys, and a list of resources. Through this study students will gain an understanding of our world being one large ecosystem in which seemingly unrelated environments are in fact inevitably linked.

In this lesson, students find their location on a map using Latitude and Longitudinal coordinates. They determine where they should go to be rescued and how best to get there.

This video segment from NOVA: A Desert Place describes the physical characteristics and organisms that define the desert biome.

This resource provides information on watersheds, maps, activities, and links to local watershed information.

This pathway explores the importance of biodiversity and human impact on the environment.

Are all coral reefs the same? Each regional ecosystem has its own assemblage of species and each contributes uniquely to global biodiversity. Explore why ecosystem diversity is important for conservation decisions. [4:13]

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.

Describes the complexity of a forest ecosystem. Pine forest succession. Role of fungi in the forest. Photos, examples.

Ecosystems are organized into several different levels, and they can be studied at any one of the various levels of organization. Learn more about levels of ecological organization in this learning module produced by CK-12.

A free CK-12 account is required to view all materials.

A tutorial podcast providing an overview of the interdependence of organisms in their environment. [1:05]

This resource is a place for exploring, asking questions, finding information, meeting scientists, and learning about marine ecosystems.

Take this ten question quiz on abiotic and biotic environments. The quiz is multiple choice.

Information and activities enhance student exploration of wildfire ecology and human interventions in Yellowstone National Park, and provide a background for land use management studies.

Did you know that wetlands are frequently used as resting stops for migrating birds? This is just one of the many interesting facts found within this educational resource. This site features information on the characteristics, types, descriptions and more of various wetlands.