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