http://www.ck12.org Chapter 4. Understanding Biodiversity: An Introduction
The study concludes that the loss of big predators has likely driven many of the pandemics, population collapses,
and ecosystem shifts the Earth has seen in recent centuries. See http://news.yahoo.com/loss-big-predators-disrupt
s-earth-ecosystem-study-181200945.html for additional information.
Disappearing Frogs
Around the world, frogs are declining at an alarming rate due to threats like pollution, disease and climate change.
Frogs bridge the gap between water and land habitats, making them the first indicators of ecosystem changes. Meet
the California researchers working to protect frogs across the state and across the world at http://www.kqed.org/ques
t/television/disappearing-frogs. Learn about the plight of the yellow-legged frog at http://www.kqed.org/quest/ra
dio/plight-of-the-yellowlegged-frog.
MEDIA
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URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/443Nonnative Species
Scoop a handful of critters out of the San Francisco Bay and you’ll find many organisms from far away shores.
Invasive kinds of mussels, fish and more are choking out native species, challenging experts around the state to
change the human behavior that brings them here. See http://www.kqed.org/quest/television/san-francisco-bay-i
nvaders for more information.
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Click image to the left for use the URL below.
URL: http://www.ck12.org/flx/render/embeddedobject/444How You Can Help Protect Biodiversity
There are many steps you can take to help protect biodiversity. For example:
- Consume wisely. Reduce your consumption wherever possible. Re-use or recycle materials rather than
throwing out and buying new. When you do buy something new, choose products that are energy efficient
and durable. - Avoid plastics. Plastics are made from petroleum and produce toxic waste.
- Go organic. Organically grown food is better for your health. It also protects the environment from pesticides
and excessive nutrients in fertilizers. - Save energy. Unplug electronic equipment and turn off lights when not in use. Take mass transit instead of
driving.