ARKive Geographic

Exploring the Worlds Biodiversity

A World of Life
There are almost 1.8 million known species in the world

The Breakdown
Species
Mammals Birds Reptiles Amphibians Fish Invertebrates (insects, crustaceans, etc.) Plants (all) Fungi & Protists

Total #
5,490 9,998 9,084 6,433 31,300 1.3 million 321,212 51,563

Biodiversity:
the number of different species in a given area

Species:
an individual belonging to a group of organisms having common characteristics

Habitat:
the location or environment where a species is most likely to be found

Ecosystem:
a system that including all the living organisms in an area, the physical environment (i.e. water, rocks, weather) and their various interactions

Putting it all together:

Species

Habitat

Biodiversity

Ecosystem

Activity 1
1. Working together in small groups, choose a species that lives on your continent and interests you.

2. Hold up your species card and ask your group to answer the following questions: a. What is the adult size of this species? b. What is the main food source for this species? c. What are the threats to its conservation?

Activity 1 (continued)
3. Arrange your continent on the floor with the other continents, to make one world map. Place the species cards on the continents where they live. Stand around the world map for a class discussion.

Class Discussion Questions

1. What are your first impressions when seeing the entire ARKive Geographic World map populated with species? 2. What are some of the species you never knew existed until today?

3. What are some of the more interesting facts you learned about a species?

Activity 2
You have been given an opportunity most species conservationists dream of to save your species from the threat of extinction

Assignments:
One page essay presenting your case for your species needs to win the $1 million grant;
2-3 minute oral presentation to the class.
- Your fellow students will vote anonymously at the end of class to choose which species expert wins the grant. - Use the ARKive website www.ARKive.org to research your species and win the grant!