OBJECTIVE: Explain biodiversity in terms of genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecological diversity.
TASK STATEMENT: Write an essay of approximately 500 words (2 pages) defining biodiversity (biological diversity) and explaining why it is important to maintain biodiversity. Discuss the importance of each of three aspects of biodiversity: genetic diversity, species diversity, and ecological diversity. Explain their importance to life on Earth, including human life, giving specific examples.
ELEMENTS: Your essay should contain the following elements:
Introduction (2-3 sentences): Explain the purpose of your essay and define biodiversity.
Importance of biodiversity (1-2 paragraphs): Explain the importance of biodiversity to life on Earth and, more specifically, to the human species, listing specific examples of this importance. Consider functions or processes in which biodiversity is involved, and implications of the loss of biodiversity.
Aspects of biodiversity (2-3 paragraphs): Distinguish among species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecological diversity. Explain how they differ, how they are related, and how each contributes to the overall diversity of life on Earth. Use specific examples where appropriate.
Conclusion (2-3 sentences): Summarize the overall importance of biodiversity, and give reasons for considering it in terms of the three aspects – species, genetic, and ecological biodiversity.
Students will be evaluated on communication, mechanics, and style.
Students will also be evaluated on: report length, introduction, importance of biodiversity, aspects of biodiversity, and conclusion.
LEARNING RESOURCES:
BIODIVERSITY and CONSERVATION, A Hypertext Book by Peter J. Bryant
School of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine
http://darwin.bio.uci.edu/~sustain/bio65/Titlpage.htm
Teaching about biodiversity: ERIC Digest
http://www.ericdigests.org/2000-2/biodiversity.htm
The Hall of Biodiversity at the American Museum of Natural History.
http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/permanent/biodiversity/
The Importance of Biodiversity
http://isis.csuhayward.edu/alss/geography/mlee/envt2000/biodivf99.htm
Introduction to the Importance of Biodiversity
http://cnx.rice.edu/content/m12163/latest/
http://cnx.rice.edu/content/m12175/latest/
Biodiversity: Its Importance to Human Health
http://chge.med.harvard.edu/publications/documents/Biodiversity_v2_screen.pdf
SUBMIT: Send as an attachment in .rtf (Rich Text Format) to your facilitator. Subject line should read: YourName_Science_Content_Task.