What Is Biodiversity? Analyzing Data to Compare and Conserve Spider Communities

In this exercise, students will classify and analyze data on spider communities to explore the concept of biological diversity and experience its application to decision-making in biological conservation. This exercise was adapted to further develop data analysis skills. Specifically, this exercise asks students to 1) create an appropriate and informative graph, 2) interpret trends and patterns in the graph, 3) understand and correctly solve equations, and 4) make well-reasoned conclusions from data.

Featured in: Lessons in Conservation: Student Learning Issue

Theme: Communicating and Teaching Science

Language: English

Region: Global

Keywords: biodiversity, conservation, data analysis, planning

Components: 3

Download All*
* Login to access educator-only files

View All

Learn

explore

Recommended Resource: Surveying Gorongosa's Biodiversity

Source: HHMI BioInteractive

This video introduces students to how scientists survey biodiversity using a variety of methods for different types of species. Check out HHMI BioInteractive for an accompanying student worksheet on the topic.

practice

Exercise: What is Biodiversity? Analyzing Data to Compare and Conserve Spider Communities

Author: J.P. Gibbs, I. Harrison, J. Griffiths
Adapted by: A. Bravo, A. Porzecanski

teach

Solutions: What is Biodiversity? Analyzing Data to Compare and Conserve Spider Communities