Ecology - Semester 1

Ecology Unit Standards - 6 Weeks

SB5. Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to assess the interdependence of all organisms on one another and their environment.

a. Plan and carry out investigations and analyze data to support explanations about factors affecting biodiversity and populations in ecosystems. (Clarification statement: Factors include population size, carrying capacity, response to limiting factors, and keystone species.)

b. Develop and use models to analyze the cycling of matter and flow of energy within ecosystems through the processes of photosynthesis and respiration.

· Arranging components of a food web according to energy flow.

· Comparing the quantity of energy in the steps of an energy pyramid.

· Explaining the need for cycling of major biochemical elements (C, O, N, P, and H).

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

d. Design a solution to reduce the impact of a human activity on the environment. (Clarification statement: Human activities may include chemical use, natural resources consumption, introduction of non-native species, greenhouse gas production.)

e. Construct explanations that predict an organism’s ability to survive within changing environmental limits (e.g., temperature, pH, drought, fire).