Botany
Level 1
Mrs. Richardson
BIODIVERSITY
In this lesson you will explore the origin, nature and value of biodiversity by researching
the Northern Japanese Temperate Forest. You will learn about the interdependency of
life by focusing on:
 biological plant diversity
 threats to the continued existence of biodiversity
 approaches to preserving biodiversity.
All research and questions should be answered in your journal. If you would like to create
a new journal to keep it separate from your class journal, this is fine.
PART I: Introduction
1. In your own words, create a working definition for the words ecosystem and
biodiversity. Brainstorm a list of the organisms found in your local ecosystem
(temperate forest).
2. Now look up the two terms and write down definitions based on your research. Are
there any differences between your and what you researched? Be sure to discuss
any differences.
3. Explain why YOU believe biodiversity is important and how preserving it enhances
the life of people.
4. Express any ways in which preserving biodiversity locally might have a national or
global effect. Be sure to think about the far-reaching effects of habitat
destruction and species loss.
5. (Review) Explain the 3 major types of organisms that live in an ecosystem:
producers, consumers and decomposers. After, go back to your list of organisms
and mark each organism with either a P for producers, a C for consumers, or a D
for decomposers.
6. (Review) Explain the 3 major types of consumers. From your original list of
organisms determine which consumer type best matches each one.
You will be creating a food web for the Asian temperate forest ecosystem in northern
Japan. This climate is similar to ours here in Maine with 4 distinct seasons and organisms
learning to adapt in order to survive. Our plant life is similar with such examples as oaks,
maples and beeches. However, you will find interesting differences.
RESEARCH
Japan: Biodiversity hotspot worth preserving. Be ready to explain why.
 http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/japan/Pages/default.aspx
Provide an overview of Japan’s biodiversity and challenges.
Considerations:
o unique biodiversity
o human impacts
o conservation actions
Yakushima Island: A National Park and Wildlife Area
 History (Culture, Heritage, Myths, etc.)
 Biology ()
 Ecology
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Location of the sanctuary (have them mark it on the map)
Characteristics of the ecosystem the sanctuary supports (water temperature, physical geography, etc.)
Wildlife present in the sanctuary
Importance of the ecosystem in general or any particular species found in the sanctuary
Proximity and culture of human settlements near the sanctuary
Challenges facing the sanctuary, and whether or not they are human-induced
From the list provided or from your own research provide information on a producer,
consumer and decomposer. Determine what food resources it needs for survival and how
it and its food resources change with the seasons. Also research how the animal finds
nutrients during each season and what it specifically eats. Does it serve as prey for
another animal? If so, what organism? For the plant, describe how its vegetation changes
throughout the seasons and what nutrients the plant needs. Provide:
 The organism’s name – common and scientific
 What it eats
 What eats it
 How it adapts to a particular season
Suggested organisms:
 Cherry tree
 Maple tree
 Oak tree
 Beech tree
 Macaque
 Squirrel
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Great spotted wood pecker
Dogtooth violet
Hornet
Horned beetle
Ant
Dormouse
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Caterpillar/butterfly
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Jay
ACTIVITY
Write an essay providing information about the Park focusing specifically on the
challenges faced and the outlook for the future health of the ecosystem. (You may need
to research other similar areas since this is such a new tragic event that has occurred.)
Questions
1. Discuss what would happen if a particular organism became extinct in the Asian
temperate forest. Would this missing organism affect the rest of the forest?
Provide example of human activity or natural disasters that could affect the
ecosystem.
Links that might be helpful:
 http://www.globalissues.org/article/171/loss-of-biodiversity-and-extinctions#LongTermCosts
 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090422191722.htm
 http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090430144532.htm
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2. Discuss ways in which humans change ecosystems. Provide Pros and Cons on how
food resources for animals and humans should be controlled.
EVALUATION
 Three Points: exceptionally well-done research; accurate and detailed information
on the assigned organisms; complete answers to all questions; demonstration of a
clear understanding of the significance of biodiversity.
 Two Points: somewhat carefully completed research; somewhat detailed
information on the assigned organisms; completion of most of the activity sheet
questions; demonstration of a general understanding of seasonal food webs.
 One Point: partially completed research; lack of detail on the assigned organisms;
completion of some of the questions; little demonstration of an understanding of
seasonal food webs.