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Unit D: Changes in Living Systems

Jellyfish

Invertebrates: Marine

Picture Collections

8 images of some invertebrate animals such as sea anemones, coral and jellyfish that live in a marine environment

dung beetle rolling dung

How to Find a Mate When You Smell Like Dung

STEM Explained

Some dung beetles use alternative reproductive tactics to increase their chances of finding a mate. Learn what this tells us about evolution and biodiversity.

Condensation on the window of the Apollo 12 Lunar Module, November 1969

Humidity on Earth and on the ISS

Backgrounders

Humidity is an important part of life on Earth and life in space. This backgrounder explains what humidity is, how it is measured and how it affects us both mentally and physically.

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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!