Learn about ecology and biodiversity
Ecology is the study of the interactions of living organisms with each other and their environment. Biodiversity is the number and variety of species found in a particular region. Our terrestrial species evolved in isolation and became uniquely adapted to life on our islands. Our marine species are also diverse due to the wide variety of coastal environments and habitats.
Aotearoa New Zealand’s unique biodiversity comes from our unique ecology. Over 50% of our marine species are endemic.
Background information
New Zealand’s unique ecology – article
Biodiversity – article
Marine diversity in Aotearoa New Zealand – image map and infographics
Teaching resources
Exploring biodiversity and whakapapa – videos and responses: watch two videos and record ideas – Word document
Food webs in Aotearoa New Zealand’s marine environment – three-level reading guide: read a short article and answer questions – Word document
Marine biodiversity and food webs: become an expert on a producer or consumer and work with a team to create a food web – Word document
Investigating a marine organism: look at a single organism, its habitat, what it needs to survive in the habitat and the impact of pests – Word document
