Due to the isolation of seamounts, their biodiversity offers a great deal of information on the development of biological and physical processes. Pupils use simple cluster analysis to rate the similarity and differences in biological species at a variety of seamounts. After creating a dendogram, young scientists interpret the results.

Concepts

biodiversity, similarities and differences, ocean habitats

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Show examples of completed dendrograms
• Explain the difference between single linkage method and complete linkage method

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes prior knowledge of cluster analysis

Pros

• Offers extension ideas to use after the lesson
• Provides cross-curricular connections to math, geography, and earth science

Cons

• None

Common Core

HSF-IF.C.8.b RST.9-10.3 RST.9-10.4 RST.11-12.3 RST.11-12.4