Biology Unit 2

Big Idea:

Understand the interactions and relationships between organisms and energy in an ecosystem.

Student Expectations:

Priority TEKS

B.11B describe how events and processes that occur during ecological succession can change populations and species diversity.

B.12A interpret relationships, including predation, parasitism, commensalism, mutualism, and competition, among organisms;

B.12C analyze the flow of matter and energy through trophic levels using various models, including food chains, food webs, and ecological pyramids;

B.12E describe how environmental change can impact ecosystem stability.

Focus TEKS

B. 10C analyze the levels of organization in biological systems and relate the levels to each other and to the whole system

B.11A summarize the role of microorganisms in both maintaining and disrupting the health of both organisms and ecosystems;

B.12B compare variations and adaptations of organisms in different ecosystems;

B.12D describe the flow of matter through the carbon and nitrogen cycles and explain the consequences of disrupting these cycles;

Ongoing TEKS

B.2F collect and organize qualitative and quantitative data and make measurements with accuracy and precision using tools such as data-collecting probes, standard laboratory glassware, microscopes, various prepared slides, stereoscopes, metric rulers, balances, gel electrophoresis apparatuses, micropipettes, hand lenses, Celsius thermometers, hot plates, lab notebooks or journals, timing devices, Petri dishes, lab incubators, dissection equipment, meter sticks, and models, diagrams, or samples of biological specimens or structures

B.2G analyze, evaluate, make inferences, and predict trends from data

B.2H communicate valid conclusions supported by the data through methods such as lab reports, labeled drawings, graphic organizers, journals, summaries, oral reports, and technology-based reports

B.3A analyze, evaluate, and critique scientific explanations by using empirical evidence, logical reasoning, and experimental and observational testing, so as to encourage critical thinking by the student

B.3D evaluate the impact of scientific research on society and the environment

B.3E evaluate models according to their limitations in representing biological objects or events

Student Learning Targets:

• I will distinguish between biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem.
• I will describe the levels of ecological organization in the biosphere.
• I will compare and contrast primary and secondary succession.
• I will differentiate between types of symbiotic relationships and classify relationships in nature.
• I will analyze the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems between different trophic levels using food chains, food webs, and energy pyramids.
• I will describe carbon, water, and nitrogen cycles and analyze how they impact the environment.

Essential Questions:

• How do the different levels of ecological organization relate to each other on planet Earth?
• How would a change in an abiotic factor affect biodiversity?
• How do organisms interact in symbiotic relationships?
• How can human activity disrupt and ecological cycle?
• How does matter and energy flow through trophic levels demonstrated by food chains and food webs?
• What is the importance of moving carbon and nitrogen through the ecosystem?

Extra Information:

Adopted Textbook: Biology, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Holt McDougal

District Grading Policy

Texas Gateway Online Resource Center