• The ecosystem with high biodiversity has many different species of plants and animals.
• The ecosystem with low biodiversity has mostly the same type of animal.
• There are more predators shown in the high biodiversity ecosystem.
• The pond in the high biodiversity ecosystem has more species around it.
• The graphs show a difference in the number of species between the two ecosystems.

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After the observational question, randomly call on one or more students to share what they or their partner answered. Then ask the class, “Did anyone notice…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you’ve noticed.

• Why do ecosystems with more biodiversity have more predators?
• What would happen if one species disappeared from the low biodiversity ecosystem?
• Does biodiversity affect how long organisms live?
• How does biodiversity protect the health of the ecosystem?
• Why are some animals missing from the low biodiversity ecosystem?

EXTENDING THE DISCUSSION
After students have shared what they notice, ask the class, “Did anyone wonder…?” using the suggestions above or anything else you might think is interesting or relevant to the lesson.

To the observational question, What is biodiversity?

LOW-LEVEL

Biodiversity is how many animals and plants there are.

HIGH-LEVEL

Biodiversity is the variety of different species living in an ecosystem.

RESPONDING TO RESPONSES
Emphasize and celebrate each student’s use of the key vocabulary to support a culture of “no wrong answers.”