Biodiversity
Have you ever noticed how many different types of plants and animals live in your neighbourhood? From the tiny insects in the grass to the birds in the trees, our world is crowded with life. Let us explore what happens when all these species live together.
Are We the Only Species Around Here?
No! Ecosystems are anywhere living and nonliving things interact. Cities are ecosystems too, where humans share spaces with birds, bugs, and plants.
The whole system can become rickety. As Bill Nye the Science Guy demonstrates with a game of sticks, pulling out just one piece can disturb the entire structure because living things depend on each other.
Put Your Instincts to the Test
Think about what you already know about ecosystems and the animals in them. Pick an answer for each question, then see if your instincts were right.
It can disturb the entire ecosystem because living things depend on each other. Ecosystems are connected. As Bill Nye the Science Guy demonstrates with a game of sticks, pulling out just one piece can make the whole structure rickety.
Both! Ecosystems are anywhere living and nonliving things interact. You might think nature only exists in the woods, but cities are ecosystems too. Humans are living things, and we share our spaces with birds, bugs, and plants.
Having many different kinds of plants and animals. The more diverse the species, the healthier the system. Different kinds of life mean there are more ways for plants and animals to support one another.
Understanding the Science
Tap each card to uncover the secrets of how living things survive together.
Key Concepts
Biodiversity
Tap to learn moreBiodiversity refers to the variety of different types of plants and animals living together in an environment. A high level of biodiversity makes an ecosystem stronger and more successful.
Ecosystem
Tap to learn moreAn ecosystem is a community where living things (like plants and animals) and nonliving things (like water and rocks) interact. A puddle, a wild forest, and a city are all examples of ecosystems.
Interdependence
Tap to learn moreInterdependence describes how living things rely on other living things to survive. For example, a spider needs a fern to build its web, and moss needs a dead tree to grow on.
Monoculture
Tap to learn moreA monoculture is an environment where just one species of plant is grown in a field, like on a farm. This makes the ecosystem much less diverse, meaning the plants and animals rely on a farmer instead of each other.
Extinction
Tap to learn moreExtinction happens when an entire species of plant or animal disappears from the Earth forever. Losing too many species causes the ecosystem to become rickety and fall apart.
Try It: Natural Selection Simulation
Explore how variations in traits within a population can help a species survive in different environments.
Apply Your Knowledge
Now let us see if you can connect what you have learned to the real world.
Match the Concepts
Click an object to select it, then click the matching description to place it.
Real-World Challenge
Imagine a local council wants to replace a wild meadow with a massive, perfectly manicured lawn. Based on what you have learned about biodiversity, what advice would you give them to keep the ecosystem healthy?
What Has Changed Since This Episode Aired
This episode of Bill Nye the Science Guy first aired in 1993. While the core science remains accurate, here are a few things that have been expanded since then.
Updated: Today, scientists know that rapid climate change is one of the biggest threats to biodiversity globally. Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns force species to adapt quickly, migrate, or face extinction. Modern conservation always includes climate action.
Updated: While those are still excellent actions, today ecologists highly recommend planting native species in gardens and creating wildlife corridors. These corridors connect fragmented habitats in urban areas, helping pollinators like bees and butterflies thrive.
Updated: Since 1993, scientists have discovered the "Wood Wide Web." Trees in a forest are actually connected underground by vast fungal networks. They use these networks to share nutrients, water, and even send chemical warning signals to each other about pests. It shows that interdependence goes much deeper than we originally thought!
Test Your Understanding
Answer these questions and get instant feedback. How many can you get right?
Results
Your score:
Reflection
What is one thing you can do this week to help protect the biodiversity in your local neighbourhood?
Episode Discussion
Share your thoughts on this Bill Nye episode