1. The Grow-A-Tree Program Grade 6

2. What is “biodiversity”?
Biodiversity means “variety of life”
Three different types of biodiversity:
Diversity of individuals
Diversity of species
Diversity of ecosystems

3. Biodiversity of Individuals
Think of all the different students in your school
They are all individuals of the same species
Yet all are unique – different height, hair color, personalities, etc

4. Biodiversity of Individuals
WOOF!
Dogs are great example of biodiversity of individuals of the same species.

5. Biodiversity of Species
The variety of different species in a habitat or ecosystem
They do not live in isolation, they are all connected to one and other and directly or indirectly depend on each other to survive.
All of the different species in an ecosystem have unique characteristics, attributes and roles.

6. Which has a greater “biodiversity” of species?

7. Which has a greater “biodiversity” of species?
Biodiverse! A B

8. How much biodiversity of species is there on earth?
There is so much, we don’t know for sure!
Best guesses are:
Mammals – More than 5,500!
Birds – More than 10,000!
Reptiles – More than 10,000!
Amphibians – More than 15,000!
Fish – More than 40,000!
Insects – More than 5 Million different types!!!

9. Biodiversity of Ecosystems
The variety of different ecosystems
Every Ecosystem has unique rolls to play.
Some provide food.
Some provide oxygen.
Some provide shelter and protection.
A greater diversity of ecosystems means a greater number of needed functions for a healthy planet are being filled!

10. Why is biodiversity important?
Biodiversity is critical to life on earth.
Biodiversity makes the earth’s habitats and ecosystems healthier and more stable.
We all depend on the earth’s variety of ecosystems for fresh air, clean water and food – all of the things we need for life.
Therefore, our lives depend on biodiversity! (That’s pretty important!)

11. Threats to Biodiversity
Biodiversity on the planet is being reduced at a rapid rate.
Loss of habitat – From Development
Pollution – Human Activity
Invasive Species -
Climate Change – Loss of species like the Polar Bear

12. We can protect Biodiversity
Conservation of habitat - set aside areas like parks and ecological reserves where ecosystems and wildlife are not disturbed.
Prevent Pollution – can you think of ways?
Stop invasive species.
Plant a Tree!