Galápagos Lesson Plans

Lesson Plan: A

LESSON PLAN A.doc

• Define the terms biodiversity, genetic diversity, species diversity, and habitat diversity
• Additional websites to consult:
  • Biodiversity article from Rice University 
  • Diversity the Spice of Life article from the Noble Foundation
  • Convention of Biological Diversity  

Lesson Plan: B

LESSON PLAN B.doc

• Outline the mechanism of natural selection as a possible driving force so speciation & state that isolation can lead to different species being produced that are unable to interbreed to yield fertile offspring. 
• Additional websites to consult:
  • Speciation chapter by John Kimball 

Lesson Plan: C

LESSON PLAN C.doc

• Explain the relationships among ecosystem stability, diversity, succession and habitat.
• Additional websites to consult:
  • World Rainforest Movement - Ecuador 

Lesson Plan: D

LESSON PLAN D.doc

• Identify factors that lead to loss of diversity
• Additional websites to consult:
  • Threats to global biodiversity article from the University of Michigan

Lesson Plan: E

LESSON PLAN E.doc

• Describe the vulnerability of tropical rain forests and their relative value in contributing to global biodiversity

Lesson Plan: F

LESSON PLAN F.doc

• Discuss current estimates of numbers of species and past and present rates of species extinction.  Also, describe and explain the factors that may make species more or less prone to extinction.
• Website to consult:
  • Biodiversity at Global Issues.org

Lesson Plan: G

 LESSON PLAN G.doc 

• State and explain the criteria used to determine a species conservation status.
• Describe the case histories of three species: one that has become extince, another that is currently endangered, and a third that was endangered and has now been removed from the endangered list.
• Websites to consult:
  • Endangered Species including the Endangered Species Act of 1973
  • San Diego Zoo's Animal Bytes
  • World Wildlife Fund
  • Red List of Threatened Species

Lesson Plan: H

LESSON PLAN H.doc 

• Describe the case history of a natural area of biological significance that is threatened by human activities. 

Lesson Plan: I

LESSON PLAN I.doc 

• State the arguments for preserving species and habitats.

Lesson Plan: J

LESSON PLAN J.doc 

• Compare the role and activities of governmental and non-governmental organizations in preserving and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Websites to consult:
  • United Nations Environment Programme
  • Greenpeace International 

Lesson Plan: K

LESSON PLAN K.doc

• Outline the World Conservation Strategy
• Website to consult:
  • World Conservation Strategy

Lesson Plan: L

LESSON PLAN L.doc 

• State and explain the criteria used to design reserves.

Lesson Plan: M

 LESSON PLAN M2.doc 

• Evaluate the success of a named protected area

Lesson Plan: N

 LESSON PLAN N.doc

• Discuss and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the species-based aproach to conservation.