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Unit B: Ecosystems and Population Change

 A forest damaged by pine beetles

How Do Introduced Species Affect Ecosystems and the Economy?

STEM Explained

When a species ends up outside of its natural zone, the consequences on other species, ecosystems and human industries can be severe. Climate change and human activities can introduce species into new zones.

fancy guppies

Guppies, Guppies Everywhere!

STEM Explained

How do different populations adapt to their environment? Let’s explore this concept through guppy speciation.

Narwhals, polar bears and other common Arctic animals swim in the Arctic waters.  Image © id-work, iStock

How are Arctic Animals in Canada Affected by Climate Change?

STEM Explained

Arctic animals have evolved to thrive in harsh arctic ecosystems, but the environmental footprint created by climate change is affecting their survival.

bees on frame held by beekeeper

How are the World's Bee Populations Doing?

STEM Explained

Bees are important for agriculture. But bee populations face threats. This resource looks at Colony Collapse Disorder, herbicides & pesticides, and more.

Canaries were once used to signal dangers to miners. - Image © Vito Cangiulli, iStockPhoto.com

How Can Birds Help Monitor the Health of Ecosystems?

STEM Explained

Scientists can observe birds to get useful information about the health of, and changes in, an ecosystem.

a boy looks at a hamburger

Do You Know What's On Your Plate?

STEM Explained

In 2013, many Europeans learned their beef lasagnas were actually made of horse meat. Learn about food fraud, and how a Canadian invention can help detect it.

A beaver looks up from the water. Image © Jillian Cooper, iStockPhoto.com

Canadian Invaders!

STEM Explained

Beavers are a Canadian symbol. But in South America, they’re considered an invasive species.

Kitten

Animals: Babies and Adults

Picture Collections

20 images of animal pairs such as polar bears, turtle, dogs and birds in their juvenile and adult stages of life

Birds flying near a wind farm

Are wind farms a threat to wildlife?

STEM Explained

Wind power is a growing source of electricity generation. But wind projects often affect local wildlife populations, and researchers are using environmental monitoring techniques to alleviate some of these impacts.

Timea Filer - Urban Forestry Field Technologist

Timea Filer (Video)

Career Profiles

Urban Forestry Field Technologist

Timea Filer is an Urban Forestry Field Technologist, located in Ontario.
Timea Filer | Technicienne de terrain en foresterie urbaine

Timea Filer

Career Profiles

Urban Forestry Field Technician, City of Guelph

Timea Filer is an Urban Forestry Field Technician for the City of Guelph.
Heather Dover | Arboricultrice

Heather Dover

Career Profiles

Arborist

Heather Dover is an arborist for Davey Tree Expert Company of Canada Ltd.
Ella Harvey | gestionnaire de données chez OLD (Barcode of Life Data System).

Ella Harvey

Career Profiles

Data Manager

Ella Harvey is a data manager at BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System).
Professeur de biologie des organismes et évolutionniste, Université Harvard

Gonzalo Giribet

Career Profiles

Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology

Gonzalo Giribet is a professor of organismic and evolutionary biology at Harvard University.
Fred Sheppard | Agent de développement de produits, expérience des visiteurs

Fred Sheppard

Career Profiles

Visitor Experience Product Development Officer

Fred Sheppard is a visitor experience product development officer for Parks Canada.