Unit 6: Ecology

Learning Focus:

• Obtain information to assess the interdependence of all organisms on one another and their environment.

• Evaluate information to assess the interdependence of all organisms on one another and their environment.

• Communicate information to assess the interdependence of all organisms on one another and their environment.

SB5b:

• Develop models to analyze: 

  •  the cycling of matter  within ecosystems through the process of photosynthesis

  • flow of energy within ecosystems through the process of photosynthesis.

• Use models to analyze:

  •  the cycling of matter  within ecosystems through the process of photosynthesis

  • flow of energy within ecosystems through the process of photosynthesis. 

•  Develop models to analyze:

  •  the cycling of matter within ecosystems through the process of respiration. 

  • flow of energy within ecosystems through the process of respiration. 

• Use models to analyze:

  •  the cycling of matter within ecosystems through the process of respiration. 

  • flow of energy within ecosystems through the process of respiration. 

•  Arrange components of a food web according to energy flow.  

• Compare the quantity of energy in the steps of an energy pyramid. 

• Explain the need for cycling of major biochemical elements:

  • Carbon

  • Hydrogen

  • Oxygen

  • Phosphorus

  • Nitrogen 

SB5c:

• Construct an argument to predict the impact of environmental change on the stability of an ecosystem. 

SB5d:

• Design a solution to reduce the impact of a human activity on the environment. 

  • Chemical use

  • Natural resources consumption

  • Introduction of non-native species

  • Greenhouse gas production(Clarification statement: Human activities may include chemical use, natural resources consumption, introduction of non-native species, and greenhouse gas production.)