Biodiversity Exploration Investigation - What is Biodiversity?

Read Weeds in Rylan's Yard. Use the same process to investigate an unknown plant in your yard, a local park or your schoolyard. Be sure to answer these questions in the report of your investigation. (Caution: Do not touch an unknown plant with your bare hands. Several plants native to North America can cause unpleasant skin rashes: Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, Poison Sumac, Red Cedar and others.)

Where is the plant growing?

Habitat

Dimensions of plant and leaf.

Colors

Draw a leaf, provide a photo, or provide a pressed sample in a clear plastic bag (Get permission to collect an unknown plant and wear gloves.)

Characteristics of flowers (if present)

Characteristics of fruits or seeds (if present)

Identify the plant - (include a taxonomy form completed using resources at Tree of Life)

Native or non native?

Weed or not a weed?

You decide - Nurture it? Pull it? Explain

Internet Hunts / Nature / Plants and People / Milkweed Mania / Habitat Garden / Pennsylvania Projects / Home

Developed and posted March 2006 by Cynthia J. O'Hora