Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region I
Division of Ilocos Sur

SELF LEARNING KIT IN

SCIENCE 9
BIODIVERSITY
LESSON TITLE:
AND
EVOLUTION

Name of Teacher –Writers: Acance, Myrna M.

Aguilar, Melinda L.
Manzano, Marina L.
School: Tagudin National High School
 1
5

In Grade 8, you learned about the concept of species and classification of

organisms using the hierarchical taxonomic system and the advantage of high
biodiversity in maintaining the stability of an ecosystem. In Grade 9, you will explain
the importance of biodiversity, find out how changes in the environment may affect
species extinction, and relate species extinction to the failure of populations of
organisms to adapt to the abrupt changes in the environment.
The time you work on this self-learning kit which contains varied activities (like
puzzles and diagrams) which develop your knowledge about this topic. You have to
read the different instructions carefully, perform the activities comprehensively and
answer the questions honestly. Write your answers legibly in your notebook.

● Relate species extinction to the failure of populations of

organisms to adapt to abrupt changes in the environment.
(S9LT-Ie-f-30)
At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:
1. explain the importance of biological diversity.
2. manifest awareness on the environmental changes that
may result in species extinction.
3. make a chart showing changes in the ecosystem,
ecological problems, causes, benefits, harmful effects
and solutions to prevent species extinction.
 WORD SEARCH: Biological terms are found in this big
square of letters. Encircle/loop these terms that can be read
horizontally, vertically, diagonally and inverted. Statements
below the puzzle serve as your clues.

D M B I O D I V E R S I T Y M L
E C Q G R N P D X Q J U V O S N
K L J C G V H S T C K F E P K O
H C T Q A H L P I E G W W F G I
C B O N N O P R N S D Q P B K T
B N Z C I L D G C L G F T Q L A
L M J U S K V N T V M L N W U L
G K R H M C B S I Y M P R P R U
O N W Y P U M L O I B U F H W P
K D J B X O O N N O F H N F P O
C L I M A T E C H A N G E I O P
C A R R Y I N G C A P A C I T Y
M F Y C O M M U N I T Y Q L E Y
L I M I T I N G F A C T O R W H
E N D A N G E R E D S P E C I E

1. Variety of life in an area.

2. Group of organisms of the same species living in a certain place.
3. Occurs when the last member of the species die.
4. Environmental condition that keep population from over increasing in size and
thus help balance an ecosystem.
5. An interacting of population of various kinds of individuals in a common
location.
 6. An individual animal, plant or single- celled life form.
7. The number of organisms of one specie that an environment support.
8. Removing or clearing of a forest to include the cutting of all trees mostly for
agricultural or urban use.
9. A significant and long- lasting change in the earth’s climate and weather
patterns.
10. A specie in which the number of individuals fall so low that extinction is
possible

Pre-assessment: Photo Quiz: The words in the box are some

of the causes of species extinction. Look at the pictures below
and identify which cause of extinction matches each group of
pictures. Write your answer in your notebook.

Taking animals for profit Introduction of species

Hunting and trapping Destruction of habitat
Overharvesting Pollution

_____________1. _____________6.

_____________2. _____________7.

_____________3. _____________8.

_____________4. _____________9.

_____________5. _____________10.
 In any ecosystem, organisms need a balanced
environment. A balanced ecosystem is one in which all living
things are interacting successfully, an environment where even
non-living things are adequately present in order to sustain life. If
any part of the ecosystem is disturbed, then other parts will also be
disturbed.
What happens to community when its species diversity is
reduced? Does loss of biodiversity affect an ecosystem ability to
sustain the species that remain or to perform certain functions that
may
For today’s contribute
lesson, to the
you are needs
going to of that
find outecosystem?
all about biodiversity, species
distribution in a community and factors affecting an organism and its habitat.

 Population pertains to the number of organisms of the same species living

in a certain place.
 Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an area.
 Communities with many different species (a high index of diversity) will be
able to withstand environmental changes better than communities with
only a few species (a low index of diversity).
 Levels of Biodiversity:
● Ecosystem biodiversity- measures the number of different kinds of
ecosystem in an area.
● Species diversity- measures the number of different species in an
area.

● Genetic diversity- is the sum total of genetic information contained in

the genes of organisms.

● Index of diversity- is a mathematical measure of species diversity in a

community.

● Importance of Diversity:

● Foundation of human health -it pertains to the functioning of the

ecosystems on which we depend for our food and fresh water, aids in
regulating climate, floods and disease, provides recreational benefits and
offers aesthetic and spiritual enrichment.

● Provides functioning ecosystems that supply oxygen, clean air and

water, waste water treatment, pollination of plants, pest control and many
ecosystems services.

● Provides recreation such as birdwatching, hiking, camping, and fishing.

● For the production of food and medicine.

Here are examples of biodiversity and population of species.

Ecosystem Diversity

Coral reef Mangrove forest River

Species Diversity

Oceanarium Garden Aviary

 ACTIVITY 1:
An activity is given to you for you to understand more about
biodiversity. The title of this activity is Index of Diversity.

Index of Diversity
Objective:

 Measure species distribution using the mathematical way of expressing the

amount of biodiversity and species distribution in a community.

Materials:
Pen
Paper

Procedure:

1. This is an outdoor activity. Find a place in your community with variety of trees or go
to the tree park of your barangay.
2. Record the number of different species of trees present in the area. (It is not
necessary to know their names, just make sure that they differ by species.) Record
this number in your data table.

DATA TABLE

Number of species

Number of runs

Number of trees

3. Go to the designated area again. This time, make a list of the trees by assigning
each a number as you walk by it.
4. Place an X under Tree 1 on your list. If Tree 2 is the same species as Tree 1, mark
another X under Tree 1. Continue to mark an X under the trees as long as the
species is the same as the previous one.
 5. When a different species is observed, mark an O under that tree on your list.
Continue to mark an O if the next tree is the same species as the previous. If the next
tree is different, mark an X.
6. Record in your data table:
a. The number of “runs”. Runs are represented by a group of similar symbols in a
row. Example – XXXXOOXO would be 4 runs (XXXX – 1 run, OO – 1 run, X – 1
run, O – 1 run).
b. The total number of trees counted.
7. Calculate the Index of Biodiversity (I.D.) using the given formula:

Number of species × number of runs

Index of diversity =
Number of trees

Guide Questions:
Q 1. Compare how your tree Index of Diversity would be different in a vacant lot than that in
a grass lawn. Explain your answer.
Q 2. If humans were concerned about biological diversity, would it be best to have a low or
high Index of Diversity for a particular environment? Explain your answer.

Population sizes vary among organisms. They change with the number of births and
when they move into an ecosystem. They also change when members die or move out of an
ecosystem.
●Limiting factors are environmental conditions that keep a population from increasing in size
and help balance ecosystems. Types of limiting factors: Physical or abiotic factors The
carrying capacity is affected by changes in the environment.

ACTIVITY 2
In this activity you will understand changes in population,
factors affecting population growth and size and learn about the
needs and characteristics of population.

Measuring Population Density

Objectives:
  Determine the pattern of population distribution using mathematical
formula.
 Compare the distribution patterns of the different populations.
Materials: Ruler, pencil & paper
Procedure:
1. Study the three patterns of population distribution in the figure below.

18 cm

Lilies □ Clover Bermuda

2. Using the given formula for computing population density, calculate the density of
each population.
Density= number of individuals
size of area
3. Count the total number for each population. Record the number in the table.
Table: Population Density
Type of
Number of
Population Name Density population
Organisms
dispersion

4. Calculate the density of each population. Record it in the table. Show your
complete solution.

Guide Questions:

1. Compare the distribution patterns of the three population.

2. Which population has the greatest density?
3. Infer from recorded data from the possible causes for the differences in the
population density.
4. What conditions could change the density of any of the population?

●Extinction occurs when the last member of that species dies.

●Endangered species is a species in which the number of individuals falls so
low that extinction is possible.
●Threatened species is a species that have rapidly decreasing numbers of
individuals.

ACTIVITY 3
Work on the activity which demonstrates the probable
causes of species extinction.
Endangered but not Extinct… Yet

Objective:
Demonstrate using a simulation activity, that habitat destruction can
contribute to species extinction.
Materials:
stop watch/wrist watch pencil and paper pebbles
Procedure:

1. Go to an area in your own locality and draw a circle whose diameter

measures 20 ft.
2. In the circle scatter 50 pebbles randomly as possible.
3. Act as the hunter, timer and counter.
4. Set your time for you to collect the pebbles for 2 minutes only.
5. For the first round, you may start collecting the pebbles at the designated
time (2 min.).
6. Count the number of pebbles collected and record your data on the table.
7. Put additional 20 pebbles inside the circle.
8. Repeat procedures 4-6 for the last two rounds.
 9. Record your data on the table.

EXTINCTION SIMULATION DATA TABLE

Round Number of pebble Number of pebble Number of pebble
grasshoppers at grasshoppers grasshoppers at
the start of the during the round the end of the
round round
1
2
3

Guide Questions:

1. What happened to the pebble grasshoppers over time?

2. In nature, what environmental factors might account for differences in the total
number of pebble grasshoppers?
3. What effects do you think will habitat reduction have on the pebble
grasshopper’s population?

The principal causes of deforestation are illegal logging, Kaingin farming,

forest fires, and conversion of agricultural lands to housing projects and
typhoons. The effects of deforestation include soil erosion, floods and depletion
of wild life resources. The major cause of wild life extinction is the loss of habitat.
Coral reef destruction is caused by dynamite fishing and Muro-ami, while
mangrove destruction is caused by overharvesting and conversion of the area
into other uses. In eutrophication, nutrients are washed away from the land to
enrich bodies of water. It causes excessive growth of aquatic plants and algae
and results in algal bloom, which eventually die and decompose. The process
depletes the oxygen dissolved in water, causing fish and other aquatic organisms
to die. Acid rain is a result of air pollution mostly from factories and motor
vehicles. Sustainable development means a society should live under the
carrying capacity of the environment.
 ACTIVITY 4
Here are some pictures of environmental problems.
What environmental problem is depicted in each
picture?

1. _______________ 2. _________________ 3. _________________

4. _______________ 5. _________________
6. ________________

7.________________ 8. _________________ 9. _________________

Guide Questions:

1. What are the possible solutions that you should do so that these
environmental problems can be solved. Limit your answer to five (5)
2. Give possible effects of these environmental problems to:
a. plants and animals
 b. humans
c. environment

ACTIVITY 5
This activity will help you identify the changes that are
observed in the environment.

Changes in the Ecosystem

Objectives:

1. Identify an ecological problem in the community.

2. Suggest solutions to help alleviate or eradicate ecological
problems.

Materials: Pen and paper

Procedure:
1. Take a walk around the place where you live and the place where you
study. Look for any changes that people, animals and plants are making
in the environment.
2. Make a list of five (5) changes you observe in your environment.
3. For each item on the list, write down the ecological problems, causes,
benefits, harmful effects and solutions that can come from the changes.
4. Record observations on the table.

Changes Ecological Causes Benefits Harmful Solutions

in the problems Effects
Ecosystem
GENERALIZATION

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in an area. Population

is a group of organisms of the same species living in a
certain place. Communities with many different species will
be able to withstand environmental changes better than
communities with only a few species. Extinction occurs when
the last member of a species dies. The ecological problems
that can cause the extinction of species are deforestation,
water pollution, wild life depletion, air pollution, destruction of
coastal resources and acid precipitation.

As a part of biodiversity, in what way can you help

protect our natural resources and save our
biodiversity to prevent extinction of species?
PART 1. TRUE or FALSE
Read and analyze each statement. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and
FALSE if it is incorrect.

1. Limiting factors are environmental conditions that keep a population from

decreasing in size and health balance ecosystems.
2. The carrying capacity is affected by changes in the environment.
3. Populations can be of different sizes, but they may have the same densities.
4. The birth and death rates can also affect a population’s size.
5. Population sizes may change with the number of births and when they move
to another ecosystem.

PART 2. MULTIPLE CHOICE

Read and analyze each statement. Write the letter of the correct answer.
1. In what way is biodiversity valuable?
A. Normal increase of biodiversity leads to existence of more species.
B. Greater species diversity ensures natural sustainability for all life
forms.
C. The richer the diversity of life, the greater the opportunity for medical
discoveries, economic development and adaptive responses to
such challenges as climate change.
D. All of the above
2. Given the data:

Number of species 2
Number of runs 8
Number of trees 16
Calculate the index of diversity using the formula:
 Number of species × number of runs
Index of diversity =
Number of trees
A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
3. All of the following are causes of biodiversity loss except _____
A. climate change
B. water pollution
C. deforestation
D. plant propagation
4. Which of the following is NOT an effect of climate change?
A. El Niño
B. drought
C. forest fires
D. illegal logging
5. Pollutants damped into the rivers and streams eventually find their way
to_____
A. land
B. the oceans
C. the atmosphere
D. groundwater supplies
6. The average temperature of the Earth’s atmosphere may rise as a result
of_____
A. land pollution
B. water pollution
C. garbage dumping
D. the Greenhouse Effect
7. Some endangered species of plants in tropical rainforests may be sources
of______
A. medicine
B. fossil fuel
C. mineral water
D. hazardous waste
 8. One of the country’s environmental problems is the rapid rate at which trees are cut
down. Which of the following major causes of deforestation is manifested in the
statement?
A. Soil erosion
B. Illegal logging
C. Kaingin farming
D. Both a & b
9. Which of the following man’s activities can cause coral reefs and coastal mangrove
forests destruction?
A. Typhoon
B. Acid rain
C. Dynamite fishing and Muro -ami
D. Conversion of agricultural lands to housing projects
10. When a particular species declines so fast that it becomes endangered, it is said to
be_______
A. extinct
B. guarded
C. protected
D. threatened

Science 9 Learner’s Module, Liza Alvarez et al.

https://www.google.com/search?
q=genetic+diversity+examples+philippines&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjB3obX5oX
qAhXLad4KHd2fBxIQ_AUoAXoECAwQAw&biw=1366&bih=657
Laboratory Activities in Science and Technology II, Marissa S.J. Gatapia, Ma.Elena V.
Bernando

Exploring Life Through Science, Josefina Ma. Ferriols-Pavico, et al

Pre-assessment

1. Hunting and trapping 6. Hunting and trapping

2. Taking animals for profit 7. Taking animals for profit
3. Destruction of habitat 8. Destruction of habitat
4. Pollution 9. Pollution
5. Overharvesting 10. Overharvesting

Review/Motivation (Word Search)

1. Biodiversity 6. Organism
2. Population 7. Carrying Capacity
3. Extinction 8. Deforestation
4. Limiting factor 9. Climate change
5. Community 10. Endangered species

Activity 1:
Data table: Answers may vary

Answers to the Guide Questions:

1. Vacant lots would have a low I.D. since there are fewer species distribution. The
grass lawn would also have a low I.D. The tree I.D. might also have a low I.D.
Communities with many different species have a high I.D.
2. Communities with many different species have a high index of diversity. This will
enable the communities to withstand environmental changes better than communities
with only a few species or with low index of diversity.

Activity 2:
 Data table:
Population name Number of Density
organisms
Bermuda 54 3
Clover 12 0.67
Lilies 19 1.06

Answers to the Guide Questions:

1. The Bermuda grass population is the largest then the lily population. The clover
population has the least number.
2. The Bermuda grass population has the greatest density.
3. Answers may include: Availability of sunlight, nutrients, or water; presence of
other organisms that feed on the plants; the space available to each individual
plant.
4. Answers may vary: Any change in the factors listed in question 3 could lead to
change in population density.

Activity 3:
Data table: Answers may vary

Answers to the Guide Questions:

1. Answers may vary: the number was reduced or the number became steady.
2. Limiting factors in the environment: biotic and abiotic factors
3. Answers may vary: Habitat destruction will lead to the reduction of grasshopper
population and eventually they will die.

Activity 4:

1. Drought 6. Air pollution

2. Pollution 7. Coral reef destruction
3. Illegal logging 8. Acid precipitation
4. Forest fire 9. Acid precipitation
5. Air pollution

Answers to the Guide Questions:

1. Possible solutions for the environmental problems:

a. Implement recycling habits in my daily life.
 b. Conserve natural resources.
c. Proper segregation of waste.
d. Replace disposable items with reusable items.
e. Conserve water and electricity.
f. Use of paper should be lessened.
2. Possible effects of the environmental problems to:
A. Plants and animals:
● Fish kill
● Yellowing of leaves
● Decrease of wildlife resources that leads to extinction
● Eutrophication
B. Humans:
● Areas exposed to toxic pollutants can cause respiratory problems like
pneumonia and asthma.
● Death due to indirect effects of air pollution.
C. Environment:
● Soil erosion
● Flood
● Global warming
Activity 5:
Data table: Answers may vary

Part 1
1. False
2. True
3. False
4. True
5. True
Part 2
1. d
2. a
3. d
4. a
5. b
6. d
7. a
8. d
9. c