Ecology looks at the relationships between living things and their environment. In this unit you will learn about how different organisms are classified into groups, as well as understand how organisms develop different adaptations in order to survive. You will also learn the differences between food chains and food webs, and understand how changes in the environment can affect the population size of different organisms.
Task 1: Use look, cover, write check to learn the answers to the core questions and the keywords for this topic
Task 2a: Read through the slides
Task 2b: Make notes that:
Define what a species is
Describe the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates
Draw a diagram of the five different vertebrate groups and label each group with the key differences between them
Task 2c: Create your own identification keys for animals and tree leaves using diagrams below.
Task 3c: Make notes that:
Define the term variation
Draw a mind map for a polar bear and a camel to show the different features they have to help them adapt to their habitats
Suggest how an organism’s diet might cause variation between different species.
Task 3d: Copy and complete the table below
Task 3e: Using information from the diagram, explain why the hare population increased in 1925.
Task 4a: Read through the slides
Task 4b: Make notes that:
Define what a food chain is
Draw a diagram to show the different stages in a food chain
Explain how energy is lost along a food chain
Compare food chains and a food webs
Suggest why it is important to look at population changes in food webs instead of food chains
Task 4c: Complete the exam questions and self mark your answers.
Task 4d: Complete the progress quiz
Task 5a: Read through the slides
Task 5b: Make notes that:
Define the term biomass
Describe the differences between pyramid of biomass and pyramid of numbers
Suggest why the pyramid of biomass is better for representing a food chain
Task 5c Using graph paper and the data in the table:
Draw a pyramid of biomass
Draw a pyramid of numbers
Decide which pyramid is the best representation. Explain why.
Challenge: If the rose bush has 25MJ per M² how much energy does the Aphid have? Explain why.
Task 5d: Complete and mark the exam question
Task 6c: Make notes that:
Define the term Biomagnification
Suggest different ways toxins can be released into the environment (both terrestrial and aquatic).
Explain why organisms at the top of the food chain bioaccumulate the most toxins
List advantages and disadvantages of using pesticides
Task 6d: Complete the exam questions 1 and 2 and mark your answers
Task 7a: Read through the slides
Task 7b: Make notes that:
Define the term Interdependence
Describe the differences between parasitism and mutualism
Task 7d: Watch the video and make notes that:
Describe and explain how the Hairworm can be classed as a parasite
Suggest why the Hairworm cannot affect humans
Task 8a: Review the BBC Bitesize material for this topic
Task 8b: Complete the Seneca learning units for this topic
Task 8c: Make a revision mind map or summary and add it to your revision folder.
Complete the quiz to check your understanding of this unit