STUDENTS AND STUDENT TEACHERS´ ABILITY TO NAME ANIMALS IN ECOSYSTEMS: A PERSPECTIVE OF ANIMAL KNOWLEDGE AND BIODIVERSITY

Abstract

In this survey Finnish lower and upper secondary education students´ and student teachers´ (n=514) knowledge of the animal names (species) in relation to ecosystems was studied using a questionnaire. The results were interpreted with regard to the biodiversity of the ecosystem. Nordic fen, spruce-dominated coniferous forest, tropical rainforest, and savannah were studied. The respondents were aware of animals living in the four ecosystems, especially of mammals and birds. The animals of the indigenous Nordic fen were the least known, as evidenced by the low average number of the names and the highest number of falsely named animals. Furthermore, the animals of the savannah were the best known by the students in lower and upper secondary education, while the animals of the spruce-dominated coniferous forest were best known by student teachers. The invertebrates were nearly forgotten from all ecosystems, although they are an essential part of biodiversity and food chain/web. Research results show that students’ knowledge of the animals in relation to their autecological matters should be improved in all information sources provided. Key words: animals, biodiversity, ecosystem, Finnish students in lower and upper secondary education, Finnish student teachers