Saving Earth’s Most Threatened Plants
Ask Students: What percent of Earth’s living species are not yet known to humans? What percent of plants in the U.S. are at risk of becoming endangered?
According to scientists, the Earth is at the beginning of its 6th mass extinction — a period when a high percentage of biodiversity dies off. When most of the planet’s species are not yet known to humans, that means we’re losing many species before having a chance to know of their existence. On the NewsHour, John Yang speaks with scientists who are trying to preserve dying plant species before it’s too late.
For a transcript of the story, click here.
Discussion Questions
- What percent of Earth’s living species are not yet known to humans?
- What percent of plants in the U.S. are at risk of becoming endangered?
- Who are some of the people interviewed for this story and what are their backgrounds?
- Why are plants considered keystone species in most habitats?
- How many times higher is the current global extinction rate than the natural extinction rate?
Focus Questions
What are some ways that scientists are trying to preserve plant biodiversity in the face of extinctions? How might biodiversity (or lack thereof) affect human life?
Media Literacy: Extinction happens slowly over time. How often do you see news organizations report on things that happen slowly, like extinction, as opposed to more fast-paced news? How does that affect the perceived urgency of issues like extinction?
Extension Activity
Research online to find out what native plant species are endangered in your local area. Talk to a peer, a family member, or your teacher about places (such as a backyard, community garden, or school green space) where you could plant these endangered species.
Republished with permission from PBS NewsHour Classroom.
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