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Unit 1: Ecosystems

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

Green walls in Harvard University

Green Walls

STEM Explained

Green walls use plant processes to improve air quality in buildings.

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.

Measuring Slope Of Soil

Careers: Soil Scientist

Picture Collections

5 images some work that a scientist who studies the Earth's soil might do such as classifying types of soil and measuring the slope of soil

Massive algal bloom

Eutrophication: Why you should care about pond scum

STEM Explained

When fertilizers from agriculture get into lakes and rivers, big problems can result for aquatic ecosystems, food chains & webs!

Repotting

Careers: Horticulturalist

Picture Collections

5 images of some work that horticulturalists might do such as cultivating and caring for plants in various environments

Landscaper Planting

Careers: Landscaper

Picture Collections

5 images of some work that landscapers might do such as planning, planting and maintaining gardens

Grey Herons Building Nest

Birds: Nest Construction

Picture Collections

images of some birds in the process of building their nests

Nest With Eggs

Birds: Nests

Picture Collections

10 images of some birds' nests showing various designs, structures and materials used for building them

Eagle

Birds: Raptors (Birds of Prey)

Picture Collections

5 images of predatory birds that hunt and feed on other animals such as eagles, the Great Horned Owl and vultures