Biodiversity is a topic that is not well understood in the general public. While popular literature and science has tried to turn attention to the current biodiversity crisis, we have a long way to go to help educate the next generation of scientists about biodiversity especially in the face of ongoing climate change. The purpose of this investigation was to survey students in a 300 level ecology class using a first-day icebreaker activity to determine the breadth of biodiversity that they could come up with quickly. A ball was tossed to each student, who named the first organism that came to mind. The ball was tossed until the group had between 60-70 organisms, or the class was slowing down in responses. Lists of the named organisms were then organized by the students in a way that seemed appropriate. This organization pattern was later used to discuss with students the different mechanisms of ecological organization. Students in the class had previously taken two to three biology courses (including those that cover diversity of life). Three separate class sections have been surveyed to date.
Results/Conclusions
Of the 26 students surveyed thus far, 220 organisms were described when totaling across class section. Of the 220 organisms described, 55% of them were described to the species level, 17% to the genus level, and 18% to the family level of organization. Thus far, the data suggest that fungi and bacteria are highly underrepresented in student responses. After additional data collection later this spring, further data analysis will be conducted to determine patterns of response within taxonomic groups. Groups that are not represented in the student responses will also be collected. These data will be compared to scientific studies investigating the commonality of scientific investigation by biological group.