Exploring Ecosystems
Each brief video features an interactive exercise based on Academy research!
How do scientists measure biodiversity? Trek through a tropical rainforest and explore the incredible diversity of species that call it home.
In addition to showcasing live footage from a unique ecosystem, each of the three videos in the Exploring Ecosystems series features an opportunity for students to actively participate in a problem-solving scenario based on an ongoing research project of an Academy scientist.
As you watch the video, be prepared to pause at key points to participate fully!
The Tropical Rainforest Diversity video investigates the following questions:
Which of the three hypothetical rainforest communities was most diverse, and why is that important? Connect your answer to the ideas of species richness and species abundance, being sure to differentiate the two.
AP Biology
(1) Justify the selection of mathematical routines to solve problems.
(2) Apply mathematical routines to quantities that describe natural phenomena.
Essential knowledge 4.C.4: The diversity of species within an ecosystem may influence the stability of the ecosystem.
Next Generation Science Standards
DCI: LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
Crosscutting Concepts: Patterns; Stability and Change
Science and Engineering Practices: Using Mathematics and Computational Thinking
Weighing the Rainforest
Can you weigh a rainforest? Scientists at the Woods Hole Research Center tell us how they estimate the biomass of rainforests from space in an effort to preserve them.
Toucans in the Forest Ecosystem
From the smallest microbe to the fiercest predator to the tallest tree, each species contributes to making its community healthy. Learn how every organism plays a part in ecosystems.
Each brief video features an interactive exercise based on Academy research!
Environmental Literacy Initiative, major funding provided by
This year’s closures are having a devastating effect on the Academy. But until Dec. 31, all gifts will be matched 5x, up to $200,000, to support our scientific research, education programs, and care and conservation of our animals.
Please help the Academy with a tax-deductible gift today.
This year’s closures are having a devastating effect on the Academy. But until Dec. 31, all gifts will be matched, up to $100,000, to support our scientific research, education programs, and care and conservation of our animals.
Please help the Academy with a tax-deductible gift today.
...but our penguins are still counting on you. Make a matched Giving Tuesday gift to support the care and conservation of the Academy’s animal residents.
All gifts up to $50,000 will be doubled to make twice the impact for our penguin colony — but only until midnight on December 1.
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Please do your part to keep our community safe. Failure to follow any health and safety rules, posted signage, or staff instructions may result in your removal from the museum:
Click the link below to view complete safety information and reserve timed-entry tickets. We hope to see you soon!
The health and safety of our guests and staff is our top priority. As of November 29, the Academy is closed to the public until further notice in accordance with local and state public health guidelines. We hope to welcome you back soon.