pencils

Interdependence, or connections, is the mechanism that allows a complex system like a tropical forest to sustain itself. Recent field studies involving western lowland gorillas demonstrate how humans and natural events affect forest ecology. For example, logging, forest elephants, winds, lightning, and honey-gathering indigenous people topple trees that let sunlight reach the forest floor. Light encourages new plant growth, which in turn feeds and shelters wildlife, including gorillas and people.

On the board, write the following questions:

Lead the group in a discussion of gorillas and their habitat. Emphasize the interdependence between the plants and animals as discussed in the background information.

Have the students, working individually or in small groups, draw lines connecting the pictures of the elements they've drawn that are interrelated.

Allow them to discuss how and why these elements depend on each other and have them write the answers to the questions on the board on the back of their sheet.

Have the students hypothesize what would happen if one of the elements on their sheet were to disappear from the jungle. What difference would it make if the gorilla became extinct? What if the fruit trees in the area were cut down? What if there were no humans living in the jungle?

This activity is suitable for classroom use or as a field trip activity at a zoological park that houses gorillas and other African jungle animals. The background and gorilla information should be covered before the trip and the students can fill out their sheets at the park.