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Presents an overview of a typical ecosystem, introducing and explaining terminology, while stressing the interdependence of its living and nonliving components. Explores basic principles of ecology, and mentions various ecosystems and their general characteristics. Short quiz follows the summary.
(Source: DCMP)
The Grizzly Bear, America's largest, most spectacular predator, was on the brink of extinction in Yellowstone National Park until the 1975 Endangered Species Act made its recovery the biggest success story in conservation history. All wild carnivores need large ecosystems to survive, but when human economic interests, food, or small children encroach into their territory, conflicts between bears and people are inevitable. As we witness the impacts of environmental degradations and human encroachment on the last grizzly habitat in the lower 48 states, we ponder whether this American wilderness icon still faces extinction or if we will be able to co-exist with it.
Great weather, abundant harvests, fabulous food, some of the world's most cosmopolitan and romantic cities are all attributes associated with Mediterranean climates. However, these regions are also critical biodiversity hotspots. This episode offers an overview of the world's Mediterranean-climate zones, pointing out their similarities, unique characteristics and importance, while also illuminating the factors that threaten them. Part of the "Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems" series.
Ecosystems and biomes exist around the globe in various regions. Students will explore the plant and animal life found in tropical rainforests, deserts, and oceans. Part of the Real World Science series.
Different processes in nearby coastal oceans drive the ecosystems found in the Mediterranean climate zones. Atmospheric processes over the oceans influence seasonal rainfall patterns, while currents and ocean temperatures affect both local and regional climate conditions. Part of the "Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems" series.
Does anyone ever think about the four pounds of garbage they produce every day? Get down to the nitty-gritty and discover the delicate ecosystem of a landfill, including the potentially harmful byproduct methane gas. Viewers follow the stinky trail from curb to dump to uncover the fate of trash and the science behind decomposition. Part of the "Break It Down" series.
Explore how the nature of highly seasonal rainfall cycles and periodic fires create conditions that have shaped Mediterranean-climate ecosystems. Part of the "Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems" series.
Characteristics of the Mediterranean climate include great weather, abundant harvests, and some of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities. These climate zones also house diverse ecosystems, which are dependent of the geology of the regions. Part of the "Mediterranean-Climate Ecosystems" series.
Students learn about the differences between Asian and African elephants and how elephants make a dramatic impact on their ecosystems. After learning about elephants as "landscape architects," students apply the inquiry process to investigate the different tasks of elephants' trunks. Part of the "You at the Zoo" series.
Freshwater mussel species are critical to river ecosystems. But, many species are in trouble. Nearly 70% of freshwater mussel species are considered threatened in some way, according to zoologist Caryn Vaughn at the University of Oklahoma. With support from the National Science Foundation, Vaughn studies the role mussels play in freshwater ecosystems. They work hard filtering impurities from the water. The major problem for freshwater mussels now is habitat fragmentation and channelization by dams.
University of Pennsylvania ecologist Peter Petraitis, California State Northridge biologist Steve Dudgeon, and their team have been returning to Maine’s rocky intertidal zone every spring and summer for nearly two decades. With support from the National Science Foundation (NSF), they survey a network of 60 experimental plots. The big question that brings them back year after year: Is an ecosystem like this a stable and permanent fixture, or, under harsh conditions, could it reach a tipping point? The idea is that changes in conditions could cause a switch from one community to another, such as from mussel beds to rockweed, and then back again. Part of the National Science Foundation Series “Science Nation.”
The climate, animals, and plant life vary greatly in different parts of the world. Students explore how wildlife and the environment work together in harmony. They also learn how to identify and locate the seven major biomes found on Earth. Part of the "Way Cool Science" series.
Students learn the fundamental principles of ecology. They distinguish between the different types of living and non-living things found in an ecosystem. Other terminology includes ecology, ecosystem, community, population, habitat, niche, biotic factors, abiotic factors, producer, consumer, decomposer, predator, prey, energy, and food chain.
Rising acidity in sea water is harmful to all ocean life. This short animated video explains how burning fossil fuels is increasing the acidity of the world's oceans. This is also impacting the fragile underwater ecosystems.
The biosphere is a thin zone of land, air, and water that is home to all living things on earth. Discusses its features as well as characteristics of ecosystems and biomes, including biotic and abiotic components. Also covers types of terrestrial and aquatic biomes, and how ecosystems can change through a process called succession. Defines terminology, and concludes with a summary and quiz.
Living and nonliving things make up the world. Students will learn how living things interact with each other and with nonliving things in an ecosystem.
The unique hard bottom reefs off the coast of the Carolinas are home to a dynamic and delicately balanced ecosystem. A population of invasive lionfish has moved into the area. Their presence is disrupting this ecosystem and threatening the commercial fish industry.
Shows the metamorphosis of the mosquito from a water ecosystem organism to a land ecosystem organism. One of nine segments in a series, with all nine available on a DVD.
What is biodiversity? Students explore the concept of biodiversity as it applies to a wide range of ecosystems on Earth.
In response to one of the worst wildfires in Colorado history, scientists from Warner College at Colorado State University are leading a large-scale wildfire impact study. The study will provide critical data to communities still grappling with the destruction caused by wildfires. Some issues they will study include water quality, erosion, and ecosystem restoration.
Showing collections 1 to 2 of 2
Resources to teach younger students about animals
A collection containing 58 resources, curated by DIAGRAM Center
Biology related concepts
A collection containing 59 resources, curated by Benetech
