Learn More: Biodiversity

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We have learned a lot about biodiversity. It is necessary to maintain the health of an ecosystem. Without a greater amount of biodiversity within an ecosystem, there is a greater chance that the ecosystem will fall apart with any small change. If you want to know more about biodiversity, why it is important, or how you can help maintain it, check out the links and books below.

A really good source of information on the purpose of biodiversity and how we can maintain is the World Wildlife Fund or the WWF:

• WWF International Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5MDIy3yhWDrx0MyDo4QmYg
• WWF website: https://www.worldwildlife.org/

A really good source of information on the purpose of biodiversity and how we can maintain is the National Geographic Society:

• https://www.nationalgeographic.org/

If you want to know more about local biodiversity in Minnesota check out Cedar Creek’s website. They provide current research projects and even projects that you can help them with.

• Cedar Creek Ecosystem Reserve: https://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/
• Explore Cedar Creek
  • Spring – https://poly.google.com/view/dNDgVllFpIN
  • Summer – https://poly.google.com/view/dZOvE3ZcjSH
• Citizen Science Projects: https://www.cedarcreek.umn.edu/citizenscience

Another good source of information about wildlife found in Minnesota is the DNR of Minnesota

• https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/nr/index.html

Share the information you gather on biodiversity around you with other scientists and observers by using the following apps/websites:

• iNaturalist: App or website: https://www.inaturalist.org/
• Seek by Inaturalist (App)
• Audubon Bird Guide (App) and website: https://www.audubon.org/ (mainly birds)

Here are some interesting videos also about biodiversity

• Importance of Biodiversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK_vRtHJZu4
• Bill Nye on Biodiversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Sybgof-X2k
• Human activities that threaten biodiversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RC3Hsk90t8
• Types of biodiversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSUfsWzWbeg
• Battle for Biodiveristy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAEE3HN1RM0
• Learning how to protect biodiversity: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHhspf5IfdE

Suggested Biodiversity Book list:

• The Diversity of Life by Edward O. Wilson
•  Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth by Nicola Davies, Emily Sutton (Illustrations)
• Biodiversity by Edward O. Wilson (Editor), National Academy of Sciences, Frances M. Peter, Smithsonian Institution

Suggested Guide Book List:

• Wildflowers of Minnesota: Field Guide by Stan Tekiela
• Birds of Minnesota Field Guide – By Stan Tekiela
• Trees of Minnesota: Field Guide – by Stan Tekiela
• Mammals of Minnesota: Field Guide – by Stan Tekiela
• Fish of Minnesota: Field Guide – by Dave Bosanko
• Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota: Field Guide – by Stan Tekiela