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Unit 4: Sustainability of Ecosystems

Monarch Butterfly

Insects: Part 3

Picture Collections

20 images of some animals such as ants and mosquitoes that have 6 legs and 3 main body parts consisting of a head, thorax and abdomen

Ant, showing mandibles

Insects: Part 1

Picture Collections

10 images of some animals such as ants and mosquitoes that have 6 legs and 3 main body parts consisting of a head, thorax and abdomen.

How do I construct a terrarium?

How do I construct a terrarium?

Hands-on Activities

You can make your own terrarium for growing plants!

 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.

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.

Salmon aquaculture pens

Farmed Salmon vs. Wild Salmon

STEM Explained

Aquaculture is seen as a sustainable way to produce fish. But are farmed salmon better than wild fish?

Goldfish

Fish: Freshwater

Picture Collections

4 images of some fish such as koi that live in freshwater river and lake environments and in freshwater aquariums and garden ponds

Clown Fish

Fish: Saltwater

Picture Collections

14 images of some fish such as lion fish, grouper and sharks that live in saltwater environments like oceans, saltwater lakes and aquariums

Water Lily

Flowers: Cup Shape

Picture Collections

8 images of some flowerheads such as roses and water lilies whose outer petals are longer than the petals in the centre of the flower

Iris

Flowers: Irregular Shape

Picture Collections

3 images of some asymmetrical flowerheads such as an iris and an Orchis Sima or Monkey Orchid

Sunflower

Flowers: Radial Shape

Picture Collections

7 images of some symmetrical flowerheads such as asters and sunflowers whose petals radiate from the centre of the flower

Petunias

Flowers: Trumpet Shape

Picture Collections

5 images of some flowerheads such as petunias and lilies that start as a narrow base and widen to an open shape

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.