UNDERSTANDING GIANT KELP FORESTS
“You dive in the giant kelp forest; you can literally compare it to flying through a rainforest.”
-Karen Gowlett-Holmes
In this section, you'll explore the similarities and differences between two of Earth's most vital ecosystems: kelp forests and rainforests. You'll learn how these environments function, the biodiversity they support, and the unique challenges they face.
Review the key components:
Ecosystem Type: The kind of natural environment where plants, animals, and other organisms live and interact with each other.
Location: The specific area or region where an ecosystem is found.
Biodiversity: The variety of different species of plants, animals, and other organisms that live in an ecosystem.
Ecosystem Services: The benefits that humans get from ecosystems, such as clean water, food, and climate regulation.
Threats: The dangers or challenges that can harm an ecosystem, such as pollution, climate change, or habitat destruction.
This table is designed to help you compare the key features of rainforests and kelp forests.
10. Use the table to provide details for both rainforests and kelp forests.
11. As you complete the worksheet, think about how these two ecosystems compare. Are there more similarities or differences?
11b. Extension: Choose another ecosystem to compare with rainforests or kelp forests.