Ecosystems of the World (Intermediate)
Benefits and Applications
• Provides students the opportunity to discover using zoo resources, the
animal’s threat level and habitat associated with six animals at the zoo
• Students should consider what these levels mean and what factors affect
animal populations
• Can also be used as the basis for a research assignment
Activity
• Provide each student with a copy of the handout provided below
• Students use the activity sheet along with the signs and information posted
at the zoo to determine the common and scientific names of each animal,
the region and ecosystem it comes from, the biotic and abiotic aspects of
each exhibit, and the conservation status of the animal
• Discuss the implications that each of these categories has on the survival
and existence of the animal
• This can be used to stimulate discussions during the visit, discussions at
school following a visit, or as the beginning of a research project in which
students investigate how an animal became endangered and what threats
impact it today
Ecosystems of the World - Handout
While visiting animal exhibits at the Riverview Park & Zoo, indicate:
1. Animal’s Common and Scientific names
2. Region(s) of the world they are native to and mark it on the map
3. Type of ecosystem that the animal inhabits
4. Abiotic / Biotic components in their exhibits
5. Conservation Status and describe why it is labeled as such
Common Name:
Animal #1
Scientific Name:
Region:
Ecosystem:
Biotic
components
in exhibit:
Abiotic
components
in exhibit:
Conservation Status:
Common Name:
Animal #2
Scientific Name:
Region:
Ecosystem:
Biotic
components
in exhibit:
Abiotic
components
in exhibit:
Conservation Status:
Common Name:
Animal #3
Scientific Name:
Region:
Ecosystem:
Biotic
components
in exhibit:
Abiotic
components
in exhibit:
Conservation Status:
Common Name:
Animal #4
Scientific Name:
Region:
Ecosystem:
Biotic
components
in exhibit:
Abiotic
components
in exhibit:
Conservation Status:
Common Name:
Animal #5
Scientific Name:
Region:
Ecosystem:
Biotic
components
in exhibit:
Abiotic
components
in exhibit:
Conservation Status:
Common Name:
Animal #6
Scientific Name:
Region:
Ecosystem:
Biotic
components
in exhibit:
Abiotic
components
in exhibit:
Conservation Status:
Student Name(s): ______________________________________
number (#).
For each exhibit visited at the zoo, indicate which world region each animal is from using its appropriate
from the Riverview Park & Zoo
Map of the World: Regional locations of animals