Biodiversity Resources Source: Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba Free Agricultural Ecosystems guides Grade 7 students through an exploration of biodiversity (biological diversity), which refers to the variety and variability of all living organisms (animals, plants, and micro-organisms) on Earth. Activities take students deeper into understanding of: How to identify agrobiodiversity Biotic and abiotic parts of agroecosystems The benefits and cost of biodiversity Ecological succession in a pasture Plant competition in a biodiverse environment A soil quality study How farming activities affect ecosystems and biodiversity Biodiversity and Water takes Grade 8 students on a journey through the ways in which biodiversity in general, and agrobiodiversity in particular, play significant roles in maintaining our water resources so that they can be used by humans, animals and plants. Activities lead students into an exploration of: The water-cycle Your local watershed Erosion Identifying salinity Capillary action How roots stop soil erosion Assessing the health of a riparian area Grade 8: Biodiversity & Water Grade 7: Agricultural Ecosystems