AP Biology
Living Environment
Science Learning Standard
The Living Environment
Standard 4:
Students will understand and apply scientific concepts, principles, and theories pertaining to the physical setting and living environment and recognize the historical development of ideas in science.
Mrs. Wagner
mwagner@springvillegi.org
Springville High School
290 North Buffalo St.
Springville, New York 14141
P 716-592-3200
Key Ideas & Performance Indicators:
Key Idea 1: Living things are both similar to and different from each other and nonliving things.
Elementary --
describe the characteristics of and variations between living and nonliving things
describe the life processes common to all living things
Intermediate --
compare and contrast the parts of plants, animals, and one-celled organisms
explain the functioning of the major human organ systems and their interactions
Commencement --
explain how diversity of populations within ecosystems relates to the stability of ecosystems
describe and explain the structures and functions of the human body at different organizational levels (e.g., systems, tissues, cells, organelles)
explain how a one-celled organism is able to function despite lacking the levels of organization present in more complex organisms
Key Idea 2: Organisms inherit genetic information in a variety of ways that result in continuity of structure and function between parents and offspring.
Elementary --
recognize that traits of living things are both inherited and acquired or learned
recognize that for humans and other living things there is genetic continuity between generations
Intermediate --
describe sexual and asexual mechanisms for passing genetic materials from generation to generation
describe simple mechanisms related to the inheritance of some physical traits in offspring
Commencement --
explain how the structure and replication of genetic material result in offspring that resemble their parents
explain how the technology of genetic engineering allows humans to alter the genetic makeup of organisms
Key Idea 3: Individual organisms and species change over time.
Elementary --
describe how the structures of plants and animals complement the environment of the plant or animal
observe that differences within a species may give individuals an advantage in surviving and reproducing
Intermediate --
describe sources of variation in organisms and their structures and relate the variations to survival
describe factors responsible for competition within species and the significance of that competition
Commencement --
explain the mechanisms and patterns of evolution
Key Idea 4: The continuity of life is sustained through reproduction and development.
Elementary --
describe the major stages in the life cycles of selected plants and animals
describe evidence of growth, repair, and maintenance, such as nails, hair, and bone, and the healing of cuts and bruises
Intermediate --
observe and describe the variations in reproductive patterns of organisms, including asexual and sexual reproduction
explain the role of sperm and egg cells in sexual reproduction
observe and describe developmental patterns in selected plants and animals (e.g., insects, frogs, humans, seed-bearing plants)
observe and describe cell division at the microscopic level and its macroscopic effects
Commencement --
explain how organisms, including humans, reproduce their own kind
Key Idea 5: Organisms maintain a dynamic equilibrium that sustains life.
Elementary --
describe basic life functions of common living specimens (guppy, mealworm, gerbil)
describe some survival behaviors of common living specimens
describe the factors that help promote good health and growth in humans
Intermediate --
compare the way a variety of living specimens carry out basic life functions and maintain dynamic equilibrium
describe the importance of major nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in maintaining health and promoting growth and explain the need for a constant input of energy for living organisms
Commencement --
explain the basic biochemical processes in living organisms and their importance in maintaining dynamic equilibrium
explain disease as a failure of homeostasis
relate processes at the system level to the cellular level in order to explain dynamic equilibrium in multicelled organisms systems, tissues, cells, organelles)
Key Idea 6: Plants and animals depend on each other and their physical environment.
Elementary --
describe how plants and animals, including humans, depend upon each other and the nonliving environment
describe the relationship of the sun as an energy source for living and nonliving cycles
Intermediate --
describe the flow of energy and matter through food chains and food webs
provide evidence that green plants make food and explain the significance of this process to other organisms
Commencement --
explain factors that limit growth of individuals and populations
explain the importance of preserving diversity of species and habitats
explain how the living and nonliving environments change over time and respond to disturbances
Key Idea 7: Human decisions and activities have had a profound impact on the physical and living environment.
Elementary --
identify ways in which humans have changed their environment and the effects of those changes
Intermediate --
describe how living things, including humans, depend upon the living and nonliving environment for their survival
describe the effects of environmental changes on humans and other populations
Commencement --
describe the range of interrelationships of humans with the living and nonliving environment
explain the impact of technological development and growth in the human population on the living and nonliving environment
explain how individual choices and societal actions can contribute to improving the environment
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