Resource created by Leeds Museums and Galleries | The Discovery Centre

This small resource is part of a series looking at how museum collections can help scientists researching human impacts on the natural enivronment, including pollution, habitat destruction and climate change.  You can find others in the series under the 'Related Stories' button, or at the bottom of this resource.

Curriculum Links

• KS4 Science: Evidence, and uncertainties in evidence, for additional anthropogenic causes of climate change.

Discussion Ideas

• Museum specimens show that the shells of foraminifera have thinned by up to 76% over the last 150 years. What impact might this have on foraminifera?
• How has human activity led to the acidification of the oceans?
  • What are the potential impacts of this on:
    • ocean life
    • human life

Activity Idea

• Foraminifera are a type of plankton, which play a vital role in ocean ecosystems. Research:
  • What species rely on plankton as a food source.
  • The effects on food chains, food webs and the wider ecosystem if there is a signficant decline in foraminifera.