Ecology
Wildlife Population Distribution
As all of Earth’s creatures live in the same home, understanding the importance of sharing has never been more vital. Identify a local plant or animal species that is experiencing a population change and share ideas for ways to live in balance as a global community.
Discover the causes of overpopulation.
Read Chapter 39, Section 3 of E.O. Wilson’s Life on Earth to learn how human actions can sometimes reduce the size of wildlife habitats — crowding animals in a smaller space, or eliminating one or more natural predators.
Life on Earth, Unit 7
Download for free in iBooksHuman population growth: A planetary challenge
Our global human population has more than doubled in the last 50 years. Today there are 7 billion people and counting. As our species grows in number the impact on Earth’s available resources will only intensify.
- Global Resources
- Humans
Research endangered animals.
While some species are becoming overpopulated, others are experiencing severe population decline. Use the WWF Togetherness app to learn about endangered species, including giant pandas, tigers, monarch butterflies, marine turtles, and polar bears. Then use the iNaturalist app to investigate why a local wild animal or plant species population is changing.
WWF Together
Download for free in the App StoreiNaturalist
Download for free in the App StoreExplain how your community can help.
Use iMovie to create a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) that gives an overview of the animal or plant species that is threatened or overpopulated. Explain what factors are affecting its population density, why this is an issue, and how the community can help address the problem.
The location of different organisms throughout a habitat says a lot about their needs, their ecosystems, and the ways that they interact with other species.
Explore other lessons.
Celebrate Earth Day.
Learning Materials
Explore the Earth Day collection of apps, books, and more in iTunes.
Customize your lessonsApple and the Environment
See what Apple is doing to help leave the world a better place.
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