← Mission map

Mission 12 of 16

Biodiversity & Species ID

📋 What it is

Biodiversity is the variety of life; identifying species is how we measure and protect it.

🗣️ Coach says

BIODIVERSITY is the rich variety of living things in a place — and more variety usually means a healthier, more resilient ecosystem. To measure it, scientists (and citizen scientists) identify species using field guides, apps, and careful observation of key features. You can’t protect what you can’t name.

🧠 Memory hook

Biodiversity = variety of life (more = healthier). Identify species (guides/apps/features) — can’t protect what you can’t name.

😂 Giggle

What did the camera say to the rare bird?
"Hold still — this is your moment to be documented!"

😲 Whoa!

Scientists estimate most of Earth’s species haven’t even been discovered yet — citizen scientists regularly photograph creatures no expert has ever formally named.

✅ Quick check: Why does high biodiversity usually mean a healthier ecosystem?

Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.

🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)

Use a free species-ID app on a plant or bug nearby — you just did biodiversity science.

⭐ Do the round to earn your star →
🤸 Brain break: Name-it: point at three different "species" around you and give each a quick label.