What If There Were No Lemmings?: A Book About the Tundra Ecosystem (Food Chain Reactions)
Food Chain Reactions Series
What’s inside...
In 'What If There Were No Lemmings?: A Book About the Tundra Ecosystem (Food Chain Reactions),' author Suzanne Slade delves into the tundra ecosystem, highlighting the crucial role of lemmings. The book poses a hypothetical scenario where lemmings are absent, exploring the resulting impacts on the food chain and the overall health of the tundra environment. It features engaging text and illustrations that depict the interdependence of species, from predators such as arctic foxes and owls that depend on lemmings for sustenance to the vegetation that thrives from lemming activity. The book educates children on the importance of every species, regardless of size, and the fragile balance within ecosystems, serving as an informative tool for understanding biodiversity, conservation, and the potential ramifications of species loss.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think the tundra ecosystem would change if there were no lemmings?
Why are lemmings important to other animals in the tundra?
What might happen to the food chain if one species disappears?
Can you think of ways humans can help protect ecosystems like the tundra?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think critically about the interdependence of species within an ecosystem. Use comparisons to simpler food chains to help them understand complex interactions. Highlight the importance of every species, no matter how small, to the health of the ecosystem. Use the book’s illustrations to visually explain the effects of changes in the ecosystem. Share your own thoughts on conservation and the significance of biodiversity, promoting a two-way conversation.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Interdependence in ecosystems
Explanation: The book illustrates how each animal in the tundra ecosystem, including lemmings, plays a critical role in maintaining balance.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of every role in a community, fostering respect and responsibility towards all living beings.
Example Lesson: Impact of changes in the environment
Explanation: The narrative explores what happens when one species, like lemmings, is removed from the ecosystem, showing impacts such as food shortages for predators.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the consequences of human actions on nature and encourage eco-friendly practices.
Example Lesson: The concept of food chains
Explanation: Through engaging storytelling, the book introduces children to the concept of food chains and how energy is passed from one living thing to another in the tundra.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this knowledge to learn about different ecosystems, promoting curiosity and respect for nature.
Example Lesson: Adaptation of animals to their environments
Explanation: ‘What If There Were No Lemmings?’ details various adaptations animals make to survive in the tundra, such as thick fur and fat storage.
Real-World Application: Teaches children about the concept of adaptation, encouraging them to think about how humans and animals adjust to different environments and situations.
Example Lesson: Critical thinking about 'what if' scenarios
Explanation: By posing a hypothetical scenario, the book encourages readers to think critically about the importance and impact of each species.
Real-World Application: This skill helps children in problem-solving and understanding the implications of changes in any system, be it ecological or social.