Topics Explored: Biodiversity, Ecological Tolerance, Endangered Species, Human Impact on Biodiversity
This case study explores one of the earliest practices of environmental conservation. Exhibits in natural history museums and the art of the diorama preserve moments in time on our planet, and educate the public about the changing natural world. Answer key included.
Case Study: Natural History (Teacher & Student Edition)
ZIP file containing 2 PDF files
(1 Teacher Edition and 1 Student Edition)Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS):
HS-LS2-6. Evaluate the claims, evidence, and reasoning that the complex interactions in ecosystems maintain relatively consistent numbers and types of organisms in stable conditions, but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem.
HS-LS2-7. Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
AP® Environmental Science Learning Objectives:
2.1 Explain levels of biodiversity and their importance to ecosystems.
2.5 Explain how natural disruptions, both short and long-term, impact an ecosystem.
9.9 Explain how species become endangered and strategies to combat the problem.
9.10 Explain how human activities affect biodiversity and strategies to combat the problem.AP® Environmental Science Practices:
1: Explain environmental concepts, processes, and models presented in written format.
2: Analyze visual representations of environmental concepts and processes.
3: Analyze sources of information about environmental issues.
4: Analyze research studies that test environmental principles.
5: Analyze and interpret quantitative data represented in tables, charts, and graphs.
6: Apply quantitative methods to address environmental concepts.
7: Propose and justify solutions to environmental problems.IB Environmental Systems Learning Objectives:
2.1.7 Describe and explain population interactions using examples of named species.
4.2.4 Describe and explain the factors that may make species more or less prone to extinction.
4.2.7 Describe the case histories of a natural area of biological significance that is threatened by human activities.
4.3.5 Discuss and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the species-based approach to conservation.
AP® is a registered trademark registered by the College Board®. IB® is a trademark registered by the International Baccalaureate Organization®. This work/product/service has been developed independently from and is not endorsed by the College Board® or the International Baccalaureate Organization®.