There are millions of plant and animal species on the planet, but why do we need so many? Follow along with this short video as it explains how biodiversity helps strengthen ecosystems, allowing them to adapt to change so that life can persevere.

Concepts

biodiversity, interdependency, ecosystems, ecology, genetic variation, keystone species

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Use this video as an introduction to a life science unit on ecosystems
• Develop a note-taking guide for students to complete while watching the video
• Flip your science classroom by offering this video and short quiz as a homework assignment

Pros

• Video looks as specific examples of rainforest and corral reef ecosystems
• Included with the video is a short assessment with five multiple choice and three free-response questions
• TED-Ed offers teachers the option to create their own lessons based on the video

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.2 SL.7.2 SL.8.2 SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2 RST.6-8.9 RST.9-10.9 RST.11-12.9