AP Environmental Science

Unit 1: Topic 1.1 - Introduction to Ecosystems

Topic 1.1 - College Board Topic Summary Information

Topic 1.1 - Slide Presentation

1.1-Introduction to Ecosystems

Read about species interactions on pages 19-28 in your textbook.

Topic 1.1 - College Board Videos to Watch

Go to: https://apclassroom.collegeboard.org/d/ijho88xhjd?sui=14,1 to watch Topic 1.1 Daily Video 1 which covers predator-prey relationships, as well as some basic background information on ecosystems, with a focus on how the availability of resources influences species interactions.

Go to: https://apclassroom.collegeboard.org/d/zwlkuubtt0?sui=14,1 to watch Topic 1.1 Daily Video 2 which covers symbiotic relationships (mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism), with a focus on how the availability of resources influences these relationships.

Go to: https://apclassroom.collegeboard.org/d/flwa1decbv?sui=14,1 to watch Topic 1.1 Daily Video 3 which covers competition, both between species and within a single species, and how resource partitioning helps reduce the negative impact on species survival.

Take notes on each video that summarize important key points. Focus your notes not just on content, but also how you are going to demonstrate you mastery of the content using science practices.

Topic 1.1 - Other Videos to Watch to Increase Content Mastery

APES Video Notes 1.1 - Ecosystems

After watching this video can you answer the following questions?

This video is a great overview of ecosystems and Topic 1.1. I suggest you watch each of videos for either a great introduction to the topic or a great review of essential content.

APES Topic 1.1 - Introduction to Ecosystems

After watching this video can you answer the following questions?

This video is a great overview of ecosystems and Topic 1.1. Mr. Villarreal is a great resource to use throughout the year.

Definitions and Terms:

After watching this video can you answer the following questions?

1. What is a system? Give an example of a system not provided in the video.

2. What makes Environmental Science different from other similar fields?

3. Why is Environmental Science important?

4. What are ecosystem services? How do Environmental Scientists use indicators to monitor the ability of our planet to provide ecosystem services?

Symbiosis: A Surprising Tale of Species Cooperation

After watching this video can you answer the following questions?

1. What is symbiosis?

2. Describe the symbiosis between the Clark's nutcracker (bird) and whitebark pine trees?

3. What are some other ways whitebark pines are important to the ecosystem they exist in?

Reefs Go Live Symbiotic Relationships Explained - Commensalism

After watching this video can you answer the following questions?

1. Commensalism is often the most misunderstood form of symbiosis, explain exactly what it is and give an example.

2. From what you know so far, give an example of commensalism other than what was given in the video and explain the relationship.

Niche Partitioning and Species Coexistence

After watching this video can you answer the following questions?

1. Describe what resource or niche partitioning is using the examples provided in the video.

2. Why is resource partitioning important in ecosystems?

Check Your Understanding:

Log on to your CollegeBoard MyAP account and answer the questions in the quiz posted. Be sure to complete the quiz by the deadline given.

You have finished Topic 1.1!

Please go to the College Board Website and log in to complete the Exit Ticket you've been assigned about this Topic 1.1.

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