Biological survey. A systematic method for collecting a consistent, reproducible and reliable sample of the aquatic biological community in a waterbody. • Biological indicators. The groups of organisms used to assess the condition of an environment.

1. DIVING FOR
DIVERSITY
Tropical Ocean
How can we find out
what species live in our
local habitat?
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2. Here’s your challenge: Perform a biodiversity survey!
Here’s your to-do list:
Step 1 Learn what a biodiversity survey is
and why people use them.
Prepare to perform your own
biodiversity survey.
Step 3 Go out in the field and record your
findings during a biodiversity
survey.
Share your results with others!
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3. Biodiversity survey
What is a biodiversity survey?
A biodiversity survey is observing and recording
EVERYTHING that you see in one location (like a
beach or a field) over time.
The goal is to describe all of the living things and
their habitats so we can monitor (keep track of)
what happens to them. This information is used as
a starting point for further scientific or
conservation work.
Biodiversity surveys are usually performed by a
team of experts recording as much as possible:
plants, soil, birds, reptiles, amphibians, bats, fish,
coral, algae, geology, invertebrates, you name it!
Why are
biodiversity
surveys
important?
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Helps identify
species at risk
of extinction.
2
Identifies important
habitats to protect
for these species.
3
Finds special
habitats or areas
especially high in
biodiversity.
4
Helps to set a
baseline to
monitor
changes.
5
Identifies
threats to
species
Did you know?
Often, new species are discovered during
biodiversity surveys!
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4. Biodiversity survey
What information is collected during a biodiversity survey?
Have a look at this example data collection sheet to see what kind of information that
scientists collect.
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5. Plan
Step 1: Prepare to perform your own
biodiversity survey.
Think about the following:
● TIME: You may see different species at
different times of day.
● TYPE: Is there a type of species that you would
like to survey? Some options are given, or
choose your own.
● LOCATION: How big is your area? Do you
expect to find many or few species in your
location? Why?
● RECORDING information: How will you record
your observations? You can use the templates
on slide 7 and slide 8 or use your own system.
● MATERIALS: What will you need to perform
the biodiversity survey? Remember to capture
what the species looks like, with drawing tools
or a camera, for example.
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6. Plan
Step 2: Write your plan here.
What type of animal or plant will you
survey?
What time(s) will you go?
Where are you going to survey?
How will you record your observations?
What materials will you need?
Are you working in a team? Assign roles!
Make sure everyone knows what
information they are collecting.
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7. Biodiversity Survey
Date:
Name:
Start time:
End time:
I am surveying:
CHOOSE ONE from this list:
Plants, Fish, Marine mammals,
Bats, Reptiles, Birds, Rodents,
Invertebrates, Domestic animals (pets) Sketch or paste a screenshot of the species
Species Name Quantity Seen Brief Description Image recorded
💡 Tip: Need more space to write? You can use the next slide
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8. Biodiversity Survey
Species Name Quantity Seen Brief Description Image recorded
💡
Tip: Need more space to write? You can make a copy of this slide for more
space.
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9. ?
Share your findings
Work with your teacher and your classmates to create a shared database of all of your classmates’
biodiversity survey results!
Create a shared
Google Slides document
and add each of your
biodiversity surveys to it
or
Print out each of your
biodiversity surveys and
post them on a bulletin
board in your classroom!
or
Think of another idea with
your classmates and make it
happen!
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10. Reflect
What did you learn while performing
your biodiversity survey?
What things might have limited the
biodiversity in this area?
What could help increase biodiversity
in the area?
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11. Reflect
Is biodiversity important to you? Why?
Write about 3 things you learned while
reading your classmates’ biodiversity
surveys.
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12. Go the extra nautical mile!
You are a scientist! Jump into one of these projects below to contribute your knowledge to the greater
science community.
Try iNaturalist’s
Seek App
Take part in a
Bioblitz!
Join the yearly
City Nature Challenge
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