Topic 8: Biosphere to ecosystems

1. Core content

Biosphere

• The concept of the biosphere.

• The inter-connectedness with and components of the global ecosystem: the hydrosphere, lithosphere and atmosphere (Links to Grade 8).

Biomes

• Terrestrial and aquatic biomes of southern Africa and how climate, soils and vegetation influence the organisms found in each.

• The location of the different biomes in South Africa.

Environment

The concept of environment in terms of human activities in and interactions with the natural environment. Abiotic and biotic factors: effects on the community.

• Ecotourism:

- economics

- ethics

- opportunities