Close to 1,000 species of gymnosperms (trees such as pine and spruce) have been identified by scientists. These plants go way back on the evolutionary scale, making them one of the oldest of any plants alive, but many groups are now considered endangered.

http://www.unep.org/Documents.Multilingual/Default.asp?documentid=531&articleid=5775

2010 is the Year of Biodiversity and Earth Rangers has teamed up with The United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity to bring you a daily dose of biodiversity basics

Earth Rangers is a non-profit organization that works to inspire and educate children about the environment. At EarthRangers.com kids can play games, discover amazing facts, meet animal ambassadors and fundraise to protect biodiversity.