Study Guide
Grades 7-12, College, Adult
Directed by Sharon Howard and Mike Rosen
Produced by Howard Rosen Productions
DVD Purchase $79, Rent $45
US Release Date: 2000
Copyright Date: 1999
DVD ISBN: 1-59458-425-7
VHS ISBN: 1-56029-842-1
Subjects
Animals
Biodiversity
Biology
Central America/The Caribbean
Consumerism
Ecology
Endangered Species
Environmental Ethics
Forests and Rainforests
Global Issues
Habitat
Insects
Life Science
Population
Social Psychology
Wildlife
Awards and Festivals
5 Emmy Awards
Gold Hugo, Chicago International Television Competition
Best of Category , Best Educational Value, Best Scientific Content and Best Conservation Message, International Wildlife Film Festival, Missoula
UNESCO Silver Medal, The New York Festivals
Best of Category, EarthVision Environmental Film & Video Festival
Best Graphic Design, International Monitor Awards
Bronze Anvil Award, Public Relations Society of America
Equinox Environmental Film Festival
Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital
Olympia Environmental Film Festival
SAVVY Award
Introduction to Biodiversity
The concept of biological diversity and its importance to humans.
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"Riveting and startling, but, more important, congenial, considerate and convincing." Seattle Post-Intelligencer |
Introduces this 5-part series on biodiversity. Dr. Edward O. Wilson, one of the world's leading experts on ants, who is often referred to as the "father" of biodiversity, and entomologist, Dr. Jack Longino, put the role of human beings in the biosphere into proper perspective.
They point out that mammals are the smallest group of species with only 4,500 known individual species, whereas there are 963,000 known species of insects.
Pound for pound humans and ants probably match each other. The rather startling difference is that ants and other insects contribute to the maintenance of earth's ecosystems. Human beings often have the opposite effect.
To be a successful and long-lived species, we must foster a respect for all life.
Other titles in the series are:
The Significance of Salmon - Salmon and people both need clean water to survive. Can we make the connection?
Keystone Species - The principle of keystone species proves the interconnectedness of the living world.
Forests, Biodiversity and You - Can forests retain their productivity and biodiversity? Consuming less ourselves is key.
Biodiversity vs. Extinction - Mass extinction of species can be stopped if we understand the importance of biodiversity.
Reviews
"Astonishingly beautiful documentary...With gorgeous photography, straightforward writing and enthusiastic participation by scientists who don't come off as pedants...a wake-up call that is riveting and startling, but, more important, congenial, considerate and convincing."
"A beautifully produced and effective piece."
"This video...is an invaluable teaching tool. There are dozens of films on the market that address the environmental and biodiversity problems we are currently facing. Natural Connections may have an edge because it will appeal to all age groups. Highly recommended for public, school and college libraries."
"Superb photography, eloquent narration, and stirring interviews with biologists combine to make this Emmy Award winner perhaps the best video I have ever seen to make the case for the preservation of biodiversity. This dramatic video should be required viewing for all students teachers, parents, politicians, business leaders, consumers...Most highly recommended for viewers from about grade 6 or 7 through adults. Schools, nature centers, camps, and even individuals will value this video."