1. The Importance of Biological Relationships: Assessing the issues with London’s Biodiversity using the Chimney Swift

2. There are several different types of biological relationships within ecosystems, all of which contribute and maintain a natural balance. A natural balance is vital to the survival of all species, including us. Some examples of relationships within an ecosystem are: – Biotic relationships (competition, predation, symbiosis) – Rhythmic relationships (migration, hibernation, diurnal, and nocturnal) – Succession relationships (primary and secondary) Copyright, legal, version number? 2 Biological Relationships within Ecosystems

3. Relationships An example of relationships within ecosystems is a food web. The food web is currently balanced however what do you think would happen if: 1.The grizzly bear was over hunted 2.The marmot went extinct 3.The butterfly no longer existed Copyright, legal, version number? 3

4. Biodiversity Copyright, legal, version number? 4 What is Biodiversity ? Biodiversity is the variety of life in a specific ecosystem. Biodiversity can be studied on a small scale, studying one specific species in one specific area, or focused more broadly, such as the study of Canadian mammals. Can you think of an example of a small scale study? And one of a larger scale study?

5. Biodiversity Biodiversity is one of the most difficult areas to study in science as the relationships are extremely connected and delicate. It is difficult to identify where relationships begin and end and which species affect one another. Copyright, legal, version number? 5

6. Why does Biodiversity Matter? Without biodiversity a variety of organisms, ecosystems, and natural processes would not exist – E.g.; the production of air, the cycling of carbon and nitrogen Humans are a part of and dependent on ecosystems Copyright, legal, version number? 6

7. Why does Biodiversity Matter ? Biodiversity is very important for the following reasons: – Species are: 1.Less likely to suffer from genetic diseases 2.More resistant to viral and bacterial infections 3.More likely to be adaptable to environmental change – Ecosystems have: 1.A greater ability to provide further ecosystem services 2.The ability to increase diversity between and among different species Copyright, legal, version number? 7

8. Within the city and its surrounding areas there are a lot of different ecosystems which range from small neighborhoods to large conservation areas London also has 8 environmentally significant areas which are home to many diverse species and a variety of unique ecosystem relationships – Can you name an environmentally significant area near your home? Copyright, legal, version number? 8 Biodiversity in London

9. London’s Biodiversity Status What do you think is the current status of biodiversity in London? London currently suffers from a high rate of urbanization Urbanization: rapid and massive growth of and migration to large cities Urbanization causes: 1.High concentrations of populations 2.High energy consumption 3.Negative interactions with surrounding environments 4.Pollution 5.Heat islands 6.Flooding 7.Destruction of natural ecosystems 8.A decrease in biodiversity within the surrounding ecosystem Copyright, legal, version number? 9

10. A Local Biodiversity Issue: THE CHIMNEY SWIFT Copyright, legal, version number? 10

11. The Chimney Swift The chimney swift is a 12-15 cm bird with a wingspan of 27-30 cm Swifts are acrobatic and able to catch insects during flight making them “aerial insectivores” Copyright, legal, version number? 11

12. The Chimney Swift The Swift lives in both urban and rural areas Enjoys nesting in vertical structures like chimneys, air vents, wells, and caves They spend the summer in Canada and the winter in Peru and Chile Copyright, legal, version number? 12

13. The Chimney Swift Each pair raises 3-5 nestlings during their breeding season Adults use sticks and glue- like saliva to create nests for their young in vertical structures The eggs take 16-21 days to hatch and then babies stay in the nest till they are 14- 19 days old Copyright, legal, version number? 13

14. Chimney Swift Flight The movement of a chimney swift is similar to how a fighter jet moves. The chimney swift is named after its ability to quickly move through the air and in smaller spaces. Copyright, legal, version number? 14

15. How to Identify a Chimney Swift 1.Size and shape 2.Colour pattern 3.Behaviour 4.Habitat 5.Song Copyright, legal, version number? 15

16. Why Chimney Swifts? Chimney Swifts are one of London’s many native species Populations have reduced by 65% Only 1% of the population now lives in Canada The Chimney Swift is currently on the Species at Risk in Ontario list and is listed as “Threatened” Copyright, legal, version number? 16

17. Why Is The Population Declining ? Why do you think the population is declining? – Chimney capping – Logging of old growth forests – Use of pesticides – Lack of diversity within the population Copyright, legal, version number? 17

18. Why Is The Chimney Swift Important? It is one of many essential species in London’s ecosystems. Contributes to an increased rate of biodiversity. Species decline widely affects other species as they are an important link in the food chain and in the ecosystem. Copyright, legal, version number? 18

19. Analyzing Chimney Swift Data Using the data provided, analyze the population data of Chimney Swifts in Ontario Use the data to draw conclusions surrounding their habitat and population characteristics Copyright, legal, version number? 19

20. Copyright, legal, version number? 20 Case Study: Choose Your Own

21. Copyright, legal, version number? 21 What did you think about the lesson? What did you learn? What did you love? What do you want to learn more about? What was boring? How would you make the lesson better?