- analyze the effects of various human activities on the diversity of living things
- investigate the principles of scientific classification using appropriate sampling and classification techniques
- demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of living things, in terms of both the principles of taxonomy and phylogeny
BIG IDEAS
- All living things can be classified according to their anatomical and physiological characteristics.
- Human activities affect the diversity of living things in ecosystems.
Focus on STSE
A FIRST OR LAST CHANCE TO DISCOVER?
The biosphere contains an astounding diversity of living things. Living things inhabit virtually every square metre of Earth's surface, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain tops. Life comes in a truly astonishing array of shapes and sizes, both familiar and bizarre. You may recognize and admire bald eagles, humpback whales, and polar bears, but know little about—and even fear—vampire bats, tarantulas, and giant squid.
Biologists discover new types of living things daily, but they have catalogued only a fraction of the millions of different kinds of living things thought to inhabit Earth. Biologists also continue to discover important interconnections among organisms. For example, most plants rely on soil fungi to get nutrients from the soil, and most animals depend on microscopic organisms living within their bodies to help them digest food.
You are fortunate because you will have the opportunity in your life to admire, study, and benefit from the millions of kinds of organisms with which you share this planet. If you are lucky, you may see moose while hiking or paddling through Ontario's beautiful old growth forests, or examine the several types of small carnivorous plants that live in Ontario bogs. You may travel to an ocean to go whale watching or scuba over a coral reef, or perhaps visit a tropical rainforest!
Unfortunately, opportunities like this are limited by past human actions and may be limited even more in the future. Climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive organisms are posing a serious threat to the diversity of life on a global scale. For the many living things that are endangered, the situation is grave. The years ahead may be our last chance to see them before they become extinct.
The situation is far from hopeless, however. Actions and decisions we make can help sustain healthy ecosystems and conserve the diversity of life on Earth. In this Unit, and throughout this book, you will learn about the connections between science, technology, society, and the environment (STSE). Making wise choices today while keeping these connections in mind can ensure that future generations have a chance to see, admire, and experience this amazing diversity of life.
Questions
1. Some kinds of organisms are far more dramatic than others. People often marvel at their first sight of an elephant or whale, a beautiful flower, or a towering tree.
(a) In a small group, brainstorm a list of 10 or more of the most interesting kinds of organisms. Provide reasons for your selections.
(b) Which of these organisms have you seen or experienced in real life? Which would you like to see or experience?
2. Humans are very dependent on other organisms for survival. Other organisms supply us with foods, clothing, medicines, and building materials.
(a) Did your list of organisms in question 1 include organisms that benefit you?
(b) In your group, make a second list of 10 or more organisms that you think are most important to humans. Explain your reasoning.
3. Although people are most familiar with plants and animals, the living world also contains many kinds of fungi, protists, and other microscopic organisms. Do you think these organisms are as important as plants and animals? Why or why not?
4. Many scientists are concerned about threats to Earth's biodiversity. Do you share this concern? What responsibility do you think we have to protect biodiversity?
Diversity of Living Things
OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
- analyze the effects of various human activities on the diversity of living things
- investigate the principles of scientific classification using appropriate sampling and classification techniques
- demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of living things, in terms of both the principles of taxonomy and phylogeny
BIG IDEAS
- All living things can be classified according to their anatomical and physiological characteristics.
- Human activities affect the diversity of living things in ecosystems.
Focus on STSE
A FIRST OR LAST CHANCE TO DISCOVER?
The biosphere contains an astounding diversity of living things. Living things inhabit virtually every square metre of Earth's surface, from the deepest ocean trenches to the highest mountain tops. Life comes in a truly astonishing array of shapes and sizes, both familiar and bizarre. You may recognize and admire bald eagles, humpback whales, and polar bears, but know little about—and even fear—vampire bats, tarantulas, and giant squid.
Biologists discover new types of living things daily, but they have catalogued only a fraction of the millions of different kinds of living things thought to inhabit Earth. Biologists also continue to discover important interconnections among organisms. For example, most plants rely on soil fungi to get nutrients from the soil, and most animals depend on microscopic organisms living within their bodies to help them digest food.
You are fortunate because you will have the opportunity in your life to admire, study, and benefit from the millions of kinds of organisms with which you share this planet. If you are lucky, you may see moose while hiking or paddling through Ontario's beautiful old growth forests, or examine the several types of small carnivorous plants that live in Ontario bogs. You may travel to an ocean to go whale watching or scuba over a coral reef, or perhaps visit a tropical rainforest!
Unfortunately, opportunities like this are limited by past human actions and may be limited even more in the future. Climate change, habitat destruction, pollution, and the introduction of invasive organisms are posing a serious threat to the diversity of life on a global scale. For the many living things that are endangered, the situation is grave. The years ahead may be our last chance to see them before they become extinct.
The situation is far from hopeless, however. Actions and decisions we make can help sustain healthy ecosystems and conserve the diversity of life on Earth. In this Unit, and throughout this book, you will learn about the connections between science, technology, society, and the environment (STSE). Making wise choices today while keeping these connections in mind can ensure that future generations have a chance to see, admire, and experience this amazing diversity of life.
Questions
1. Some kinds of organisms are far more dramatic than others. People often marvel at their first sight of an elephant or whale, a beautiful flower, or a towering tree.
(a) In a small group, brainstorm a list of 10 or more of the most interesting kinds of organisms. Provide reasons for your selections.
(b) Which of these organisms have you seen or experienced in real life? Which would you like to see or experience?
2. Humans are very dependent on other organisms for survival. Other organisms supply us with foods, clothing, medicines, and building materials.
(a) Did your list of organisms in question 1 include organisms that benefit you?
(b) In your group, make a second list of 10 or more organisms that you think are most important to humans. Explain your reasoning.
3. Although people are most familiar with plants and animals, the living world also contains many kinds of fungi, protists, and other microscopic organisms. Do you think these organisms are as important as plants and animals? Why or why not?
4. Many scientists are concerned about threats to Earth's biodiversity. Do you share this concern? What responsibility do you think we have to protect biodiversity?