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Kayamanan Isle

Supplementary Material on Grade 9 Science: Biodiversity & Evolution

by Kyla Angela B. Aquino

About

Play

Introduction

Kayamanan Isle, home to a unique range of plants and animals, faces new challenges. You play as Kalina, a scientist with the Philippine Biodiversity Agency, who arrived to work with the community to understand and protect the island’s delicate ecosystem.

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Need a look to the species cards? Click this!

Proceed? Click >!

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Notes

Need to refresh your knowledge? Click Notes!

KALINA

Every species here plays a role, and understanding these connections is essential—especially with storm season approaching. I'll have a quick review!

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Notes

Touch down, Kayamanan Isle!

Answer the questions correctly to progress and walk through the forest.

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Kalina meets Ani

Kalina meets Ani, a local conservationist, who takes her through the forest. They observe small but noticeable signs of ecosystem stress, like fewer birds, sparser undergrowth, and some fallen trees from the previous storm.

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KALINA

These cleared areas are worrying. Deforestation can disrupt ecosystems by removing habitats and leaves the land more vulnerable to storm damage.

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KALINA

Thanks for sharing this, Ani. Let’s start by surveying some key species to gather more information on the health of the ecosystem. We can collect data as we head to the town center.

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Notes

ANI

Welcome, Kalina. I've lived here all my life and have seen changes in the forest. I’m concerned that the ecosystem is strugglingand the effect of the recent storms have grown more intense.

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ANI

Road expansions and construction projects have affected forests and wetlands, displacing animals and causing erosion. The narra and molave trees that provided cover are being cleared, weakening the island’s natural defenses. With each storm, the damage seems to get worse. I’d like to raise awareness, but to do so effectively, I need solid data.

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KALINA

And this is where I come in!

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Notes

BioDigiCam Time: Say trees!

Using your mouse, hover to the species to collect needed data and calculate the index of diversity, as requested by Ani.

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Using your mouse, hover over the icons of certain species to know more about their characteristics.

Help

Need help? Click this! ->

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Using your mouse, hover over the icons of certain species to know more about their characteristics.

Help

Need help? Click this! ->

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KALINA

There are more patches of cleared land where trees once stood in this area. This is the reason why the biodiversity index is decreasing.

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KALINA

This limited diversity can negatively impact predator-prey relationships and resource distribution, signaling potential declines in other species, likely due to habitat destruction or environmental pressures.

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KALINA

Let's check the state of the animals here in the isle. Their population can help us conclude the health of the biodiversity.

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BioDigiCam Time: Rats and Eagles!

Count the organisms and analyze their ratios to answer the questions and proceed.

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Using your mouse, hover over the icons of certain species to know more about their characteristics.

Help

Need help? Click this! ->

= 1 Philippine Eagle

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= 100 Rats

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ANI

I still remember how my father described our place. Trees were not as few as today, and he could spot many Philippine Eagles and Tamaraws in the forest. Now, that the trees are cut for road-widening projects and numerous buildings, it seems that the eagles are decreasing in number.

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KALINA

It’s all connected! Deforestation has reduced the habitat for the Philippine Eagle, lowering their numbers. With fewer eagles around, prey animals like rats have increased dramatically.

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KALINA

As we walked, I noticed some rats and damage to the crops—that’s a direct result of this imbalance. The impact of cutting down trees is affecting the whole ecosystem.

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ANI

The decline in their numbers may not be solely due to deforestation. Many hunters have been poaching both the eagles and tamaraws, contributing significantly to their reduced population.

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KALINA

If we don’t take action, we risk pushing not just the Philippine eagle but other species toward extinction. When a species goes extinct, it can create a ripple effect throughout the ecosystem, leading to further declines in biodiversity.

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KALINA

Each species plays a role in its habitat, and losing even one can disrupt food chains and lead to the collapse of other populations.

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Meeting Mang Doro

Kalina and Ani meet Mang Doro along the coast. They notice litter washing up on the shore and patches of bleached coral in the nearby reef.

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MANG DORO

Our lakes and coastline isn’t what it used to be. After each typhoon, the amount of waste that washes ashore increases, and the corals, fish, and animals like the Palawan Forest Turtles seems to be struggling. The plastic and debris not only suffocate the waters and reefs but also contribute to issues like acid precipitation, which further harms aquatic life.

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MANG DORO

People here need income, and while these projects provide jobs, they also bring unintended harm to our land and to us long-term. We need help balancing progress with preservation.

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KALINA

Coral reefs are essential to marine life and protect our freshwaters and coastlines. I’d like to measure the population density for marine species here to better understand the impact.

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MANG DORO

I have here a picture of our marine coasts several years ago. This may help you compare whatever data you are gathering.

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Notes

Picture

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Click or hover the mouse to the floating pictures.

Click or hover the mouse to the floating pictures.

BioDigiCam Time: Picture vs. Present

Using your mouse, hover to the species to collect needed data, calculate the population density, and compare results with the data several years ago.

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Click or hover the mouse to the floating pictures.

Click or hover the mouse to the floating pictures.

Click or hover the mouse to the floating pictures.

ANI

Locals have started cutting them down to make room for development. Without mangroves, coastal areas are left vulnerable to storms and flooding.

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KALINA

Mangroves act as a natural shield against typhoons, yet they’re being cleared. Without them, flooding has worsened, and more waste washes into the ocean.

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KALINA

This data confirms it: our coastal ecosystems are struggling, as population of the marine species are declining. At this season where storms are more frequent, it’s even more critical to address these issues. The impact on marine life could be long-lasting.

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MANG DORO

Let's dive deeper.

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Notes

Dive down!

You have ventured into the deepest darkness of the ocean floor to see their current state. Drag the spotlight to find the correct answer and pick trash along the way.

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Find the correct answerWhat fishing practice is known for causing significant damage to coral reefs?

Acid precipitation

eutrophication

Muro-ami

Biological magnification

Drag the spotlight!

Find the correct answerWhat is the process called when excess nutrients from waste cause rapid algae growth and oxygen depletion in lakes and rivers?

Acid precipitation

eutrophication

muro-ami

Biological magnification

Drag the spotlight!

Find the correct answerWhich environmental issue can lead to the degradation of aquatic ecosystems due to harmful chemicals falling from the atmosphere

Acid precipitation

eutrophication

muro-ami

Drag the spotlight!

biological magnification

Find the correct answerWhat is the process called when pollutants build up in higher concentrations within organisms at each level of the food chain, as seen with PCB accumulation in fish?

acid precipitation

eutrophication

muro-ami

Drag the spotlight!

biological magnification

MANG DORO

We need fish to support our families, but I’ve noticed there are fewer each year. Some fishermen have turned to dynamite fishing and muro-ami, hoping to bring in a bigger catch.

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ANI

However, these destructive methods are causing serious habitat destruction, making it harder for fish populations to recover. Many of us are worried about whether the reefs will survive.

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KALINA

Absolutely. The situation is concerning. The use of dynamite fishing and muro-ami not only reduces the number of fish but also severely damages the coral reefs. This habitat destruction limits the fish populations because reefs are crucial for breeding and providing shelter for many species.

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ANI

What other factors contribute to this decline?

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KALINA

Several limiting factors are at play. First, overfishing reduces the total fish population. When too many fish are caught, it disrupts the balance of the ecosystem, making it hard for populations to recover.

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KALINA

Second, the destruction of coral reefs from these fishing methods affects the habitats where fish live and breed. Finally, pollution from land runoff can harm marine life and degrade water quality, further impacting fish health and reproduction.

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KALINA

In addition to limiting factors, we must consider carrying capacity—the maximum number of individuals that an environment can sustainably support. When we overfish, we exceed this capacity, leading to declines in fish populations and overall ecosystem health.

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Notes

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KALINA

This drastic drop of the population densities is alarming. It highlights how critical it is to address these limiting factors and respect the carrying capacity of our marine environment. If we exceed this capacity, we risk losing fish populations and harming the ecosystem for future generations.

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KALINA

Without careful planning, economic development will exhaust these resources, leading to fewer species and even greater ecosystem stress. With data, we can guide sustainable approaches that benefit both people and nature.

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Meeting Aling Malaya

Kalina meets Aling Malaya, a mother worried about the effects of the intense heat and worsening air quality on her children. They discuss how the rising temperatures and polluted air are affecting daily life.

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ALING MALAYA

I’ve been thinking a lot about how hot it’s been lately. The air feels different, too. It’s harder to breathe, especially for the kids. I’m scared about what it might mean for their health.

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KALINA

When cars burn fuel, they release carbon dioxide and other gases into the air. Factories and power plants do the same thing, especially those that burn coal or oil. These gases, called greenhouse gases, trap heat in the atmosphere, causing the Earth’s temperature to rise. It’s what we call the greenhouse effect.

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ANI

Exactly. These gases make the air worse and affect our health. It’s important to reduce pollution.

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MANG DORO

I’ve noticed more intense storms lately. It’s not just the heat—it's the typhoons, too.

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KALINA

The heat and poor air quality are linked to global warming, but it also affects storms, like typhoons. As the Earth gets warmer, the oceans heat up too. Typhoons get their strength from warm ocean water, so when the water is hotter, the storms become stronger.

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Notes

Saving Kayamanan Isle

Kalina, Ani, Mang Doro, and Aling Malaya gather to discuss possible solutions for improving the island's environmental practices.

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KALINA

Our observations show that deforestation, pollution, and overfishing are interconnected issues affecting the entire ecosystem. If we act together, we can protect these resources and prepare for future storms

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ANI

We need to plant trees and restore the mangroves that once protected us. With every typhoon, it’s clearer that we need nature’s help to survive here." I’ll organize a community campaign to raise awareness.

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MANG DORO

If we care for our forests and marine areas, they’ll protect us from the storms. Let’s focus on replanting and protecting what’s left. We’ll give the ecosystem a chance to recover.

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ALING MALAYA

We also need to tackle air pollution. It's getting harder to breathe with all the fumes from cars and factories. The polluted air makes the heat worse and affects our health, especially the children. I'll encourage other families to reduce waste, use cleaner energy, and be mindful of air quality.

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ANI

Of course, we will need to convince the higher-ups to reconsider their projects and prioritize the environment. It's not just about us—it's about the future of everyone here.

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KALINA

Sustainable development means living within the environment's carrying capacity. So, let's advocate that.

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MANG DORO

We will only do what we can. If the government and the companies cooperate, we can make a real difference. But we need everyone to act together.

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Decades later...

Thanks to Kalina’s efforts and the community’s commitment over the past two decades, Kayamanan Isle is on a path to recovery. The community expressed deep gratitude to the four leaders of environmental change for their vision and guidance. While convincing the community to take action was a challenge in itself, their persistence made a lasting impact. Just before Kalina returned to the quarters, she knew her work had set the island on a better path.

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COngratulations!

You've successfully completed the story-driven game and made an impact on the future of Kayamanan Isle! Through your thoughtful decisions and actions, you've demonstrated what it takes to protect the environment and inspire change. Your leadership, creativity, and commitment to conservation have not only helped the community recover but have also set a powerful example for others to follow. As high school students, start now before it's too late. Every choice you make in the real world can contribute to a better, more sustainable future. Keep using your voice, your actions, and your passion to protect the planet for future generations! Well done, and keep up the great work!

References

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Kalina's Species Cards

Calculate the Index of Diversity

1. Identify the Species:

• The species listed are: Narra, Balete, Molave

2. Mark the Runs:

• Narra - Narra - Narra = 1 run
• Balete = 1 run
• Narra - Narra = 1 run
• Molave = 1 run
• Narra = 1 run
• Molave - Molave = 1 run

3. Count the Runs and Trees:

• Runs: 6
• Trees: 10 (6 Narra, 1 Balete, 3 Molave)

5. Calculate the Index of Diversity (I.D.):

• Index of Diversity = (Number of species x Number of runs)/Number of trees.

[----------1st---------][---2nd---][-----3rd------][---4th---][-5th-][---------6th---------]

NUMBER OF RUNS: 6

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Key Concepts Overview

Limiting factors are environmental conditions that control the growth, abundance, or distribution of a population within an ecosystem. These can include factors like availability of food, water, shelter, sunlight, temperature, and space. When these resources or conditions are scarce or unfavorable, they limit the potential for population growth. Carrying capacity is the maximum population size that an environment can sustainably support over time, given the available resources and limiting factors. Once a population reaches its carrying capacity, it stabilizes because the resources can only support a certain number of individuals. If a population exceeds its carrying capacity, resources become overused, leading to a decline in population size until it returns to a sustainable level. Sustainable development means living within the environment's carrying capacity.

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Key Concepts Overview

Biodiversity: The variety of life—plants, animals, and microorganisms—across ecosystems. High biodiversity supports stability, resilience, and productivity. Population: A group of the same species living in one area, contributing to ecological balance through interactions with other species and the environment. Endangered Species: Species at high risk of extinction due to habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. Protecting them is essential for ecosystem health. Threatened Species: Species likely to become endangered without conservation actions. Monitoring helps prevent further decline. Types of Biodiversity: Genetic Diversity: Gene variety within a species, supporting adaptability. Species Diversity: Variety and abundance of species in a region, boosting ecosystem health. Ecosystem Diversity: Range of ecosystems in an area, each with unique habitats and processes.

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Key Concepts Overview

Muro-Ami: Destructive fishing technique that damages coral reefs and reduces fish populations. Eutrophication: Excess nutrients in water cause algae blooms, depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life. Acid Precipitation: Acidic rain from pollution harms ecosystems, soil, and aquatic life. Biological Magnification: Toxins concentrate at higher trophic levels, harming predators and disrupting ecosystems.

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Count Eagles vs. Rats

Philippine Eagles are top predators, so their population will be much smaller compared to rats, which reproduce quickly and in large numbers.

Kalina's Species Cards

About the game

"Saving Kayamanan Isle" is an educational game for Grade 9 students, designed to enhance their understanding of biodiversity, environmental changes, species extinction, and conservation within Philippine ecosystems. The game’s objective is to restore biodiversity and balance in the fictional Kayamanan Isle, rewarding players for protecting species, restoring habitats, and implementing sustainable practices. Though the island is fictional, all featured species—such as the Philippine Eagle—are real, with educational pop-ups sharing details on scientific names, characteristics, and conservation status. The storyline reflects real ecological challenges in the Philippines, encouraging students to explore ways they can support biodiversity awareness and restoration.

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Key Concepts Overview

The greenhouse effect is a natural process where certain gases in Earth's atmosphere, called greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapor), trap heat from the sun, keeping the planet warm enough to support life. Without this effect, the Earth would be too cold for most living organisms. Global warming refers to the long-term rise in Earth’s average temperature, mainly due to human activities like burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), deforestation, and industrial processes. These activities increase the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, leading to more heat being trapped and causing Earth’s temperatures to rise. As global temperatures rise, the atmosphere becomes warmer and can hold more moisture. This increased moisture in the atmosphere can fuel stronger storms. In the case of typhoons, the warmer ocean waters provide more energy to the storm systems, making them more intense and potentially more destructive.

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Key Concepts Overview

Deforestation and Habitat Loss: Removing trees or natural areas disrupts ecosystems by eliminating habitats, increasing soil erosion, and making areas vulnerable to extreme weather. Index of Diversity: A measure of species variety and balance. Low diversity means fewer species or an unbalanced population, reducing the ecosystem's resilience. (I.D.):Index of Diversity = (Number of species x Number of runs)/Number of trees.

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Click or hover the mouse to the floating pictures.

Calculate the population density using the formula: Density = (Number of individuals)/(Size of area)

Example: [For the Mangoves] Density = 20 mangrove trees / 100 square meters Density = 0.2 trees per square meter

Calculate the Index of Diversity

1. Identify the Species:2. Mark the Runs:3. Count the Runs and Trees: [Note: Do not count trees that are cut]5. Calculate the Index of Diversity (I.D.):

• Index of Diversity = (Number of species x Number of runs)/Number of trees.

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Key Concepts Overview

Indicator Species: Species that signal the health of an ecosystem. For example, a decline in indicator species, like the Philippine Eagle, often indicates ecosystem stress, which can be due to factors like pollution or habitat loss. Ecosystem Imbalance: Changes in indicator species populations can show early signs of environmental issues, impacting the entire ecosystem. Species extinction: Extinction happens when the last individual of a species dies. Despite making up only 7% of the planet's land area, these ecosystems are home to more than half of all species. But because of how quickly they are being destroyed, hundreds of thousands of species may become extinct within the next century or less. The tropical world is heading toward a significant reduction and fragmentation of tropical forests, leading to a massive extinction of species.

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

Kalina's Species Cards

References

Agduma, A., & Cao, K.-F. (2023). Species richness, extent and potential threats to mangroves of Sarangani Bay Protected Seascape, Philippines. Biodiversity Data Journal, 11. https://doi.org/10.3897/bdj.11.e100050 Alvarez, L., Angeles, D., Apurada, H., Carmona, Ma. P., Lahorra, O., Marcaida, J., Olarte, Ma. R., Osorio, E., Paningbatan, D., Rosales, M., & Delos Santos, Ma. T. (2014). Science - Grade 9 . Department of Education. ‌Barstow, M. (2018). Pterocarpus indicus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T33241A2835450. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T33241A2835450.en. Accessed on 11 November 2024. de Kok, R. (2020). Vitex parviflora. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T33339A67741355. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-1.RLTS.T33339A67741355.en. Accessed on 11 November 2024. Ellison, J., Duke, N., Kathiresan, K., Salmo III, S.G., Fernando, E.S., Peras, J.R., Sukardjo, S., & Miyagi, T. (2010). Rhizophora stylosa. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T178850A7626520. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-2.RLTS.T178850A7626520.en. Accessed on 11 November 2024. Molave. (2024, September 6). University of Santo Tomas. https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-manila-tree-inventory/molave/ Narra. (2024, October 11). University of Santo Tomas. https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-manila-tree-inventory/narra/ National Tropical Botanical Garden | Pterocarpus indicus - Plant Detail - Meet The Plants. (n.d.). National Tropical Botanical Garden. https://ntbg.org/database/plants/detail/Pterocarpus-indicus Perez, G. J., Comiso, J. C., Aragones, L. V., Merida, H. C., & Ong, P. S. (2020). Reforestation and Deforestation in Northern Luzon, Philippines: Critical Issues as Observed from Space. Forests, 11(10), 1071. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11101071 Philippine Eagle Foundation. (2019). The Philippine Eagle. Philippine Eagle Foundation. https://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/philippine-eagle Red balete. (2024, September 6). University of Santo Tomas. https://www.ust.edu.ph/ust-manila-tree-inventory/red-balete/ Shao, Q., Zhao, L., Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), & IUCN SSC Global Tree Specialist Group. (2019). Ficus concinna. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T147492469A147623186. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-2.RLTS.T147492469A147623186.en. Accessed on 11 November 2024. StuartXchange. (n.d.). Bakauan-bato. StuartXchange. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from http://www.stuartxchange.org/BakauanBato StuartXchange. (n.d.). Molave. StuartXchange. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from http://www.stuartxchange.com/Molave StuartXchange. (n.d.). Red Balete. StuartXchange. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from http://www.stuartxchange.com/RedBalete Wilson, E. O., & Peter, F. M. (1988). The Rise of the Global Exchange Economy and the Loss of Biological Diversity. In Biodiversity. National Academies Press (US).

Key Concepts Overview

Marine Biodiversity: The variety of life along coastlines, such as coral reefs, seagrass, and fish species, which support a balanced marine environment. Pollution and Human Impact: Activities like waste dumping, overfishing, and destructive fishing methods harm coastal biodiversity, reducing diversity and destabilizing the food web. Calculate the population density using the formula:Density = (Number of individuals)/(Size of area)

Key Concepts Overview

This is where you will see the notes Kalina brought during her exploration in Kayamanan Isle.