Pyramid of life
Objectives:
- To learn about different elements of certain ecosystem in the nature, for example nutrition chain. To get familiar with the animals and plants of near nature. The have a physical experience on human destabilizing influence on ecosystems.
Preparation: Print cards with the names of relevant hierarchical elements. Either general parts of the nutrition chain: plants, herbivores, predators, apex-predator or (more recommended) specific names of species found in the area.
Tools needed: Cards
Tape
Pen
Outdoor space with grass etc. soft surface or indoors space with mattrasses
Description
Getting started:
Give out cards to the group. For every apex predator there are 4 predators, 7 herbivores and 14 plants. For a small group share roles accordingly or leave out the apex predator. (Possibly add a few decomposer or human influence cards, see variations)
Each participant introduces the card they are given, and whether they recognise the animal/term. Clarify all terms and species.
Forming the pyramid:
Instruct everyone with the plant card on all fours side by side. Herbivores kneel behind them leaning on them, carnivores behind them leaning on the previous layer, and lastly the apex predator standing behind all leaning on them. Take a photo of the pyramid.
Reflection:
Ask members how do they feel being on the bottom, middle or on the top. How do they see the role of the species in their card? Did the pyramid feel sturdy, what would happen if one layer would be smaller or bigger? See variations. Where does human belong to in the pyramid?
If the pyramid is not very stable, ask all the questions afterwards.
Variations
Showing how pesticides or other harmful elements concentrate in the food chain. Give plants a piece of tape written "pesticide", "microplastic" "antibiotic residue"etc. Explain what you're doing and how the element ended in the nature. Each participant positions the tape on them. Next steps the participants give the tape the the next tier etc. until the apex predator has all the tapes on them. Questions: what has happened, why, how it can be prevented.
Add 1-2 decomposers on the system: after the pyramid is ready, decomposers start removing safely and gently members one by one by touching them.
Add one (human caused) negative influence: overhunting or -fishing, vanishing living habitat, disease, rastic changes in weather... The participant with negative influence card removes the layer affected by it one by one by touching them. The others try to balance the pyramid. Continue until the pyramid becomes unstable or collapses. Be mindful of safety! Questions: Which part of the system it is affecting? What happens if the number of a certain layer suddenly decreases? How it could be prevented? How does the nature compensate and try to keep he balance?
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Resources
https://www.sharingnature.com
Comments
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