PLOTTING BIODIVERSITY in the
TROPICAL FOREST
Using observation and recording skills, students will survey the Forest Aviary to discover
the beauty of diversity.
Grade Level
6-12
Biodiversity represents the variability among all life on Earth. But, why is biological
diversity important? In this activity, students plot and record observations in the Forest
Aviary at the NC Zoo to draw connections between diverse life forms and the survival of all
species.
Theme:
Biodiversity
Adaptations
Pre-Visit Preparation
Divide students into five groups.
Curriculum
Connections:
S, M
Give each student a copy of:
Plotting Biodiversity worksheet (pg. 2)
Also make sure that each group has one copy of:
NC Zoo Forest Aviary Plant Guide
NC Zoo Forest Aviary Bird Guide
Instruct students to complete ONLY steps 1 and 2 on the Plotting Biodiversity worksheet.
Students will categorize plants listed in the plant guide into one of three categories: woody,
herbaceous, or vine. They will also review bird identification. Steps 3-4 will be completed at
the Zoo and Step 5 will take place back in the classroom.
@ the Zoo
Allow students to travel through the zoo in pre-determined groups assigned during the
pre-visit preparation. Upon reaching the Forest Aviary, assign each of the five groups a
different section of the Aviary to observe. Try to spread the groups out as much as possible
to ensure that a variety of species are recorded.
Zoo Location:
RJ Reynolds
Forest Aviary
- Page 1 -
Instruct students to take approximately ten minutes to complete the activity (more time
may be allotted, if necessary). The Plotting Biodiversity worksheet asks students to count
the types of plants and bird species found in their area, along with the relative frequency of
each. Once groups have finished the activity, gather your group together and allow
students to share what was found in their Aviary plot. Collect student worksheets to be
used back at school.
Back In Your Classroom
Working in groups, students should discuss the questions in Step 5 of the Plotting
Biodiversity Worksheet. Reassemble and allow groups to share their observations and
what they learned from the activity.
PLOTTING BIODIVERSITY WORKSHEET
Before Your Visit to the Zoo
Step 1) Plants can be classified into three basic categories: woody, herbaceous, or vine. Review the categories
below and label each plant in the NC Zoo Forest Aviary Plant Guide according to type.
Woody Plants: Plants that have bark or a hard outer covering. They are typically perennial plants that have stems
and larger roots reinforced with wood.
Herbaceous Plants: Plants that usually don’t grow very tall; they have a softer outer covering, with no woody part.
These plants typically have leaves and stems that die once a year. This includes bromeliads and orchids.
Vines: Plants that twine and climb on other structures; they are not self-supporting. This includes epiphytes.
Step 2) The NC Zoo Forest Aviary is full of many bird species. Review the NC Zoo Forest Aviary Bird Guide with
your group and quiz one another on bird identification to ensure you’re ready to identify birds at the Zoo.
@ the Zoo
Step 3) Take position in front of the assigned observation area in the NC Zoo Forest Aviary. Let’s see how many
diverse plants and animals can be found in the assigned area! Using the Plant Guide for assistance, half of your
team should count and record the number of woody plants, herbaceous plants and vines, then calculate the
relative frequency of each. Share results with the other team members.
Step 4) While some of the team members work to record plant species, the other half will use the Bird Guide to
record the bird species observed and the area in the Aviary where that bird typically resides (found in guide).
When finished, calculate the relative frequency of each bird species, as well as, the relative frequency of birds that
prefer a particular Aviary habitat. Remember - be as quiet as possible, keep still or if necessary, move slowly and
keep eyes and ears open! Share results with other members of the team.
Back in Your Classroom
Step 5) In groups, review the findings of the plotting exercise and discuss the following questions. Students
should be prepared to share the answers of your group with the class.
1) Review data on the types of plants in the assigned plot. What plant type was more prevalent? Why do you think this
occurred? What role does this plant type play in the forest? Why might these plants be more successful in this area?
2) What might happen if the most prominent plant type in the assigned plot disappeared? How would the rest of the plot
be affected? What might change after 5 years without this plant type?
3) Review data on the species of birds in the assigned plot. Did you notice any similarities among these visitors? Did you
notice more birds in the assigned plot that typically reside in one level of the Aviary? What type of behavior did you
notice about the birds? How were the birds utilizing the observation plot?
4) Imagine that all the species of birds observed dwindled down to just two. What might be the consequences of such a
change? Why might the birds observed have different shapes, sizes, and colors?
5) How does a diverse collection of plants and animals help protect the health of all wildlife in the Forest Aviary? What
threats might challenge the diversity of the tropical rainforests of the world.
PLOTTING BIODIVERSITY WORKSHEET
PLANTS
Total #
Relative Frequency
(# in Category/Total
Plants)
BIRDS
Bird Name Preferred
Area of
Aviary
Total #
Relative Frequency
(# in Category/Total
Birds)
Woody
Herbaceous
Vines
RJ Reynolds Forest Aviary
Preferred Aviary Habitat
Total #
Top
Middle
Ground
Pond
Relative Frequency
(# in Category/ Total
Birds)