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Surveying Ant Diversity in Gorongosa National Park

Topic

  • Ecology
  • Ecosystems
  • Environmental Science
  • Conservation

Resource Type

  • Videos
  • Scientists at Work

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IBCollege

Duration

00:07:46
Saved By
12 Users
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Description

This video follows conservation biologist Leeanne Alonso as she surveys ant species in Gorongosa National Park to monitor the health of the park’s ecosystems.

Although conservation often focuses on large animals, ants play important roles in many ecosystems. They are also very sensitive to changes in the environment and can alert scientists to disturbances. Alonso, a former student of renowned biologist E.O. Wilson, is cataloguing the different species of ants in Gorongosa National Park. She is part of a team of scientists surveying Gorongosa’s biodiversity to establish a species census and monitor the ongoing recovery of the park. As shown in the video, Alonso uses various methods to find and identify ant species, as well as the ecosystem services these insects provide.

An audio descriptive version of the film is available via our media player.

Key Terms

Africa, conservation, ecosystem service, monitoring, scientific methodology, scientific process

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

Video files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 02.19.16
Date Updated 04.13.16

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS2.C, HS-LS4.D, HS-LS4-5; SEP4, SEP5

AP Biology (2019)

ENE-4, SYI-1, SYI-3

IB Biology (2016)

C.1, C.4

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 2.1, 2.2

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

3.1, 3.3, 3.4

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5; DP1, DP2

Materials

Download HD (M4V) 280 MB
Download HD (WMV) 233 MB
Download SD (M4V) 62 MB
Download SD (WMV) 63 MB
Download Transcript (PDF) 125 KB

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