Spectrum of Habitats

Did you know that the world's deserts keep expanding each year? Or that islands have the highest animal extinction rate—75 percent? Take a closer look at the major habitats found on Earth.



Spectrum of Habitats



  • More About This Resource...

    • An overview of biodiversity and biodiversity gradients, this PDF presentation introduces students to the Earth's major habitats, discussing each one's role in the biosphere and how it is negatively impacted by human activity. The nine habitats covered through maps and text are:

      • tundra
      • grasslands and savannas
      • temperate and boreal forests
      • tropical forests
      • coral reefs and coastal wetlands
      • deserts
      • freshwater wetlands, rivers, and lakes
      • oceans
      • islands

    • Completion Time

      Approximately 1 period

    • Teacher Tip

      Supplement a study of biodiversity with an activity drawn from these online exhibition materials.

      1. Divide the class into nine groups, one for each of the habitats covered.
      2. Send students to this online presentation, or print copies of it for them to read.
      3. Have the groups further research their assigned habitat, focusing on what life is like for its species and the challenges both face.
      4. Ordering the groups according to coverage of the Earth's surface, have them present their findings to the rest of the class.

    • Topic

      Biology

    • Subtopic

      Ecology