Megadiverse countries

High school (ages 12+)
Environment & Earth

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/megadiverse-countries

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is Megadiverse countries known for?These countries collectively host the majority of Earth's species
2. What is the number of nations identified?17 countries are recognized as megadiverse
3. What is the primary geographic distribution?Predominantly located in tropical and subtropical regions
4. What is a megadiverse country?A megadiverse country is one that has a huge number of unique plants and animals, especially at least 5,000 plant species that live only there. It also often has nearby seas or oceans that add more kinds of life.
5. Why are megadiverse countries usually in tropical or subtropical areas?These areas have warm weather, lots of rain, and many mountains and rivers, which create many different habitats where new species can grow and thrive.

Biodiversity: The variety of life on Earth at all its levels, from genes to ecosystems, and the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain it.
Endemism: The ecological state of a species or taxonomic group being unique to a defined geographic location, such as an island, nation, or habitat type.
Ecosystem Services: The direct and indirect benefits that humans derive from ecosystems, such as clean air, water, and pollination.
Conservation International: A global environmental organization that works to protect biodiversity and natural resources.