Why Is Biodiversity So Important?

• This video details why biodiversity is crucial for our survival on Earth, introducing students to ecosystem diversity, species diversity, and genetic diversity.
• Students will learn about keystone species in the ocean, the interconnectedness of species within the Amazon rainforest, and the vulnerability of ecosystems to collapse.
  

Positives

• This animated video explains the complex concept of biodiversity in an easy-to-understand way. 
• The video has colorful images that support student understanding.
  

Additional Prerequisites

• You must sign in to use the "Think" and "Discuss" interactive features on the TED-Ed site.
  
• Students should have a basic understanding of the terms diversity, ecosystem, genetics, and species. 
  

Differentiation

• In addition to science classes, this video could work in a social studies class that is learning about different parts of the world or a language arts class that is working on non-fiction reading and comprehension. 
• While viewing, pause and ask students to explain the examples of biodiversity from the video. 
• As an extension activity, ask groups of students to research another example of biodiversity that was not included in the video. Can they find an example from another ecosystem? 
  
• Other resources related to this topic include Biodiversity and Humans, this video about coral reefs, and How Rainforests are Formed and How They are Being Destroyed.
  

This resource addresses the listed standards. To fully meet standards, search for more related resources.