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Provided by: The Kid Should See This |Published on: October 30, 2023
Articles/Websites
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Synopsis
This short video clip from a longer episode on rewilding discusses the cascading negative effects of local extinction and the potential positive impacts of reintroducing keystone species, using the cougars from a Utah park as an example.
The video defines and describes the terms trophic cascade and keystone species.
The narrator describes a tropic cascade example in which cougars were threatened in a park in Utah, leading to the flourishing of deer populations and the subsequent detriment of greenery and animals that rely on that vegetation.
There is an article below the video that introduces the idea of rewilding, or using the tools of nature to heal itself, and it includes many links to resources that explore rewilding topics.
The video has an overall hopeful tone, with the narrator describing the potential for repairing damaged ecosystems by reintroducing keystone species.
The interactive graphics help to visualize the concept of a trophic cascade.
The provided links are comprehensive and can serve as a launchpad for further exploring rewilding.
Additional Prerequisites
Students should be familiar with the concept of food chains.
Students should know some basic ecological terms such as species, ecosystem, food chain, and habitat.
Differentiation
Before watching the video, ask students to explain wild animals then guess what it may mean to rewild.
Be sure students understand the concept of a trophic cascade by drawing multiple examples of food chains on the board and then discussing what could happen if certain species' populations increase or decrease.
Consider having students pick an example of rewilding as a nature-based solution and have them make an artistic poster to present their findings.
Explore different examples of the reintroduction efforts of keystone species and the effects they have on the whole ecosystem.
Scientist Notes
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
The Kid Should See This
The Kid Should See This is a Webby award-winning collection of over 7,000 kid-friendly videos, curated for teachers and parents who want to share smarter, more meaningful media in the classroom and at home. Selections are grown-up-friendly, too. And thanks to TKSST members, it’s free and ad-free for everyone. Start conversations, spark questions, and inspire offline exploration for all ages.
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