ECOSYSTEM RESPONSES. reflect

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "ECOSYSTEM RESPONSES. reflect"

Transcription

1 reflect There is a saying, No man is an island, which means that people need one another in order to survive. Everyone on Earth is interconnected in some way. This is not only true of human beings, but of all living and many nonliving things on Earth. In an ecosystem, individual organisms, populations, and entire communities interact with each other and with their environments. In fact, much of how living things behave is in response to changes in their environment. What are some of these environmental factors that cause change? How do living things respond to these changes? Ecosystems Earth is made up of several important parts, such as air, soil, and living creatures. These parts are called spheres, such as the atmosphere or the lithosphere. The sphere containing life is called the biosphere because bio means life. The biosphere contains all the living things on Earth in various ecosystems. Ecosystems are composed of all the biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) factors within a particular environment. The organisms in an ecosystem are organized into levels based on the number of individuals present and how they interact. The fi rst and smallest level of an ecosystem is an individual organism. One human is an organism. A lone wolf is also an organism. In a prairie ecosystem, a single buffalo is an organism. What are the abiotic factors of this ecosystem? What are the biotic factors? Organisms are rarely found alone. More often than not, several organisms live together. More than one organism of the same species in an area is called a population, which is the second level of organization in an ecosystem. A population is made up of organisms of the same species that are able to interact and mate with one another. All of the buffalo living together in the prairie are an example of a population. Populations are not isolated from other groups of organisms. In the prairie ecosystem, buffalo live among populations of birds, insects, grasses, and trees to name a few. All of these populations living together in the same area make up a community, which is the third level of organization in an ecosystem. 1

2 The abiotic factors of an ecosystem include climate, water, living space, inorganic nutrients, and food. These abiotic factors often serve as limiting factors to biotic components of the ecosystem. When a limiting factor, such as water, is in short supply, then the productivity of the ecosystem, including the organism s ability to survive, is limited. External Factors That Affect Organisms, Populations, and Communities The abiotic and biotic factors in an ecosystem are interconnected. When biotic and abiotic factors change, they affect the other parts of the ecosystem. The response to change made by an organism affects the population, which in turn, affects the whole community. Organisms: Changes to an ecosystem, especially changes that cause a decrease in the supply of a limiting factor, affect an organism s ability to survive. Thus, organisms respond in a way that attempts to counteract the effect of the external factor. An organism s goal is always survival. It responds to external factors in its environment in order to maintain homeostasis. Humans do this all the time without thinking about it. If a person gets too cold, he or she puts on a jacket or wraps up in a blanket. If a person s body becomes dehydrated, signals are sent to the brain to indicate thirst. In response, a person gets a drink of water. homeostasis: a steady, stable internal state Temperature is an external factor that affects all organisms. Responses vary among different species, but maintaining homeostasis, including a suitable internal body temperature, is a common goal among all organisms. In cold temperatures, some animals may begin to shiver involuntarily. Shivering is characterized by small muscles contractions in the core of an organism s body. These tiny contractions use up energy in the form of ATP. When the molecular bonds in ATP are broken, heat is generated. The result is an increase in body temperature. Ectotherms, or animals that use external sources to regulate their body temperature, respond to decreasing temperatures in a variety of ways. They may bask in the Sun or on a hot rock, burrow into an insulated nest, or curl up to minimize the amount of surface area that is exposed to cold. This lizard is basking on hot, sunlit rocks in order to keep its body warm. Even plants respond to temperature changes. Many plants enter a dormant, or resting, state in winter where they do not grow or produce food. In preparation, they lose their leaves and their stems become weaker. This allows the plants to conserve energy and survive colder temperatures. 2

3 what do you think? In an effort to survive, organisms respond to the various external factors that affect their ecosystems. Look at the examples of external changes in the table below. For each one, list a possible response that an organism might have to maintain homeostasis. External change Temperature increase Drought New predator New competition for food Organism response Populations: Populations respond to external factors in ways that refl ect the efforts of the individual members to survive and reproduce. Populations can change in size, distribution, and range based on the responses of its organisms. For example, consider a population of deer living in a forest. Suppose a disease affects the plants that the deer use as a food source. In response to this external factor, the population may shrink as some members die from starvation. Birth and death rates also determine the size of a population. When birth rate exceeds death rate, the population grows and vice versa. Birth and death rates change in response to external factors. Low predation, abundant food and water, ample living space, and low competition for resources contribute to high birth rates and population growth. The abundance or scarcity of nutrients not only affect population size, but its distribution and range in the ecosystem. Organisms will go where resources are available. This can cause populations to travel together (migrate) to new areas or spread out in smaller groups to decrease competition. Zebra migrate in groups in order to find an ample supply of food. look out! Even in ideal living conditions, the size of a population can reach a limit. Once a population becomes too large, it outgrows the availability of food, water, and living space. Resources are not unlimited, and can serve as limiting factors to population size. As the population grows, competition for resources increases. Those organisms that cannot successfully compete for resources will die. 3

4 The death rate begins to equal the birth rate and instead of experiencing growth, the population becomes stable. The population may still experience short periods of growth, but they will be balanced out with short periods of decline. At this point, the environment has reached its carrying capacity for that population. The carrying capacity is the maximum number of members of a population that an ecosystem can support. Communities: Every species has a unique way of life called a niche. A niche includes a set of abiotic and biotic factors a species needs to survive and reproduce. This can include the type of food it eats, light and water needs, ideal climate conditions, living space requirements, and survival and reproduction strategies. Species in a community typically occupy different niches. For example, in a seashore community, snails and barnacles are able to live in the high tide zone. During low tide, this area is not covered with water. In contrast, algae and sea stars could not survive here for long without drying out. Although these species live in the same ecosystem, they do not share the same niches. Fish, coral, seaweed, sea turtles, and many other aquatic species occupy a variety of niches in a reef community. Interactions between species often revolve around the different niches they occupy, which can result in changes to the community as a whole. Communities respond to changes in biotic and abiotic factors in ways that reflect the responses of the individual organisms and populations they contain. When confronted with a changing environment, an individual organism responds in a way that enables it to survive. These responses affect the population the organism belongs to. Cumulative responses of a population affect the structure and biodiversity of the community as a whole. Predation is an example of a factor that can affect the structure of a community. For example, in a forest community, a population of hawks feeds on rabbits, squirrels, and other small mammals. The relationship regulates the population size of the rabbits and squirrels. However, if an external factor such as disease or competition kills individual hawks and decreases the hawk population, then the rabbit and squirrel populations will grow because of decreased predation. The external factor was a detriment to the hawk population, but benefi ted the rabbits and squirrels. As a result, the structure and species distribution of the community changed. A community may also change when a new species immigrates into the community or one emigrates out. 4

5 what do you think? Clownfish and sea anemones have a mutualistic relationship. The clownfi sh are protected from predators by the sea anemone s stinging tentacles. In return, the anemone benefi ts from scraps of food dropped by the clownfi sh. Predict what role external factors affecting the sea anemone population will play in the clownfish population and the reef community as a whole. Looking to the Future: Human Activity and Habitat Destruction An organism s habitat not only provides shelter, but also the food resources it needs to obtain nutrients. Habitat is particularly important to the giant pandas of China. These large bears survive almost exclusively on the bamboo plant, which makes up 99% of their diet. Bamboo is not rich in nutrients, so the pandas must eat large quantities of the plant to adequately nourish themselves. Pandas spend about 12 hours a day eating up to 38 kg (84 lb) of bamboo. Unfortunately, this food source is becoming more difficult to fi nd in their habitat. Too often, human activity is the external factor affecting populations of plants and animals in their natural environment. The pandas bamboo forest habitat is being destroyed as the demands of the farming and timber industries grow. Although bamboo is a fast-growing plant, it only grows at specific altitudes and pandas require a lot of bamboo to survive. Two breeding pandas need approximately 30 square kilometers to support them, which is equal to about 15,000 football fi elds combined. The destruction of the bamboo forests decreases the shelter and food resources available to the panda population in China. As a result, the panda population is dwindling. Scientists estimate that the wild panda population is fewer than 2,500 individuals, which makes this unique creature an endangered species. 5

6 What Do You Know? Response to changes in an ecosystem can vary among different organisms in the same community. An external factor that is advantageous to one population may be harmful to another. This affects the diversity and structure of the community that the populations live in. Each scenario below describes a change in an ecosystem. Read each scenario and predict the most likely outcome of the change by fi lling in each blank with either increases or decreases. 1. The birth rate of fi eld mice exceeds death rate. This the mouse population and the grass population on which the mice feed. 2. A population of bluebirds emigrates from a forest ecosystem. This the size of the community within the ecosystem and competition for resources among other bird populations that eat the same foods as the bluebirds. 3. A grassland ecosystem experiences a drought. This competition for water among all organisms and plant populations in the grassland. 6

7 connecting with your child Response to the Ecosystem To help them learn more about ecosystem responses, have students monitor their own responses to external factors over several days. Encourage students to pay attention to things they naturally do without realizing that they are responses to the ecosystem. For example, students could observe their responses to changes in the temperature, noise level, presence of food, amount of light, and presence of other people in their surroundings. Have students record how they responded to each situation and why they made their choice. Most often, it will be because the response benefited them in some way. Have them explain how the benefi t could relate to survival in the wild. Next, have students take care of a small houseplant, aquarium, or terrarium over several weeks. Direct them to introduce changes to the external conditions in order to observe how the organisms respond. Suggestions include varying the amount of food, water, light, and heat available to the houseplant, aquarium, or terrarium. Have students record their observations and encourage them to make predictions each time they introduce a new external factor. Ask students to record how each organism s response affects other members and parts of the community. Be sure that students make every effort to treat the organisms with respect. They should not introduce external factors that unnecessarily cause distress or harm to the organisms. Here are some questions to discuss with students: Why must organisms respond to changes in their ecosystem? How do you think these responses affect the long-term survival of species? How do you think responses of a community affect an ecosystem? Biome? Planet? 7

Matter and Energy in Ecosystems

Matter and Energy in Ecosystems Matter and Energy in Ecosystems The interactions that take place among biotic and abiotic factors lead to transfers of energy and matter. Every species has a particular role, or niche, in an ecosystem.

More information

Principles of Ecology

Principles of Ecology 2 Principles of Ecology section 1 Organisms and Their Relationships Before You Read On the lines below, list the organisms that you have encountered today. You share the same environment with these organisms.

More information

Ecology 1 Star. 1. Missing from the diagram of this ecosystem are the

Ecology 1 Star. 1. Missing from the diagram of this ecosystem are the Name: ate: 1. Missing from the diagram of this ecosystem are the 5. ase your answer(s) to the following question(s) on the diagram below and on your knowledge of biology.. biotic factors and decomposers.

More information

4. Which choice below lists the biomes in order from lowest precipitation amounts to highest precipitation amounts?

4. Which choice below lists the biomes in order from lowest precipitation amounts to highest precipitation amounts? Ecosystems and Biomes 1. All of the living organisms in a forest plus their environment is an example of A. a biome. B. a community. C. a population. D. an ecosystem. 2. Which of the following best describes

More information

Key Idea 2: Ecosystems

Key Idea 2: Ecosystems Key Idea 2: Ecosystems Ecosystems An ecosystem is a living community of plants and animals sharing an environment with non-living elements such as climate and soil. An example of a small scale ecosystem

More information

NOTE TO TEACHER: It is appropriate to introduce the mitochondria (where energy is made) as a major structure common to all cells.

NOTE TO TEACHER: It is appropriate to introduce the mitochondria (where energy is made) as a major structure common to all cells. 5.2.1 Recall the cell as the smallest unit of life and identify its major structures (including cell membrane, cytoplasm, nucleus, and vacuole). Taxonomy level: 1.1 and 1.2-A Remember Factual Knowledge

More information

Rain Forests. America's. Web of Life. Rain Forest Ecology. Prince William Network's OVERVIEW OBJECTIVES SUBJECTS

Rain Forests. America's. Web of Life. Rain Forest Ecology. Prince William Network's OVERVIEW OBJECTIVES SUBJECTS Rain Forest Ecology National Science Education Standards Standard C: Life Sciences Populations and ecosystems. Standard C: Life Sciences Diversity and adaptation of organisms. Standard F: Science in Personal

More information

2. What kind of energy is stored in food? A. chemical energy B. heat energy C. kinetic energy D. light energy

2. What kind of energy is stored in food? A. chemical energy B. heat energy C. kinetic energy D. light energy Assessment Bank Matter and Energy in Living Things SC.8.L.18.4 1. What is energy? A. anything that takes up space B. anything that has mass C. the ability to conduct current D. the ability to do work 2.

More information

CCR Biology - Chapter 14 Practice Test - Summer 2012

CCR Biology - Chapter 14 Practice Test - Summer 2012 Name: Class: Date: CCR Biology - Chapter 14 Practice Test - Summer 2012 Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1. Zebras live on the savannas of

More information

6. Which of the following is not a basic need off all animals a. food b. *friends c. water d. protection from predators. NAME SOL 4.

6. Which of the following is not a basic need off all animals a. food b. *friends c. water d. protection from predators. NAME SOL 4. NAME SOL 4.5 REVIEW - Revised Habitats, Niches and Adaptations POPULATION A group of the same species living in the same place at the same time. COMMUNITY-- All of the populations that live in the same

More information

Introduction to Ecology

Introduction to Ecology Introduction to Ecology Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between living organisms and their environment. Scientists who study ecology are called ecologists. Because our planet has many

More information

Name Class Date. Adapting to the Environment Adaptations and Survival

Name Class Date. Adapting to the Environment Adaptations and Survival CHAPTER 3 4 SECTIN Adapting to the Environment Adaptations and Survival EFRE YU READ After you read this section, you should be able to answer these questions: What adaptations help animals survive? What

More information

Grassland Food Webs: Teacher Notes

Grassland Food Webs: Teacher Notes Grassland Food Webs: Teacher Notes Alan Henderson ecosystem Objectives After completing this activity students will be able to: Create a food web and identify producers and consumers. Assign organisms

More information

The animals at higher levels are more competitive, so fewer animals survive. B.

The animals at higher levels are more competitive, so fewer animals survive. B. Energy Flow in Ecosystems 1. The diagram below shows an energy pyramid. Which of the following best explains why the number of organisms at each level decreases while moving up the energy pyramid? The

More information

Biology Keystone (PA Core) Quiz Ecology - (BIO.B.4.1.1 ) Ecological Organization, (BIO.B.4.1.2 ) Ecosystem Characteristics, (BIO.B.4.2.

Biology Keystone (PA Core) Quiz Ecology - (BIO.B.4.1.1 ) Ecological Organization, (BIO.B.4.1.2 ) Ecosystem Characteristics, (BIO.B.4.2. Biology Keystone (PA Core) Quiz Ecology - (BIO.B.4.1.1 ) Ecological Organization, (BIO.B.4.1.2 ) Ecosystem Characteristics, (BIO.B.4.2.1 ) Energy Flow 1) Student Name: Teacher Name: Jared George Date:

More information

THE ECOSYSTEM - Biomes

THE ECOSYSTEM - Biomes Biomes The Ecosystem - Biomes Side 2 THE ECOSYSTEM - Biomes By the end of this topic you should be able to:- SYLLABUS STATEMENT ASSESSMENT STATEMENT CHECK NOTES 2.4 BIOMES 2.4.1 Define the term biome.

More information

Lesson Overview. Biodiversity. Lesson Overview. 6.3 Biodiversity

Lesson Overview. Biodiversity. Lesson Overview. 6.3 Biodiversity Lesson Overview 6.3 6.3 Objectives Define biodiversity and explain its value. Identify current threats to biodiversity. Describe how biodiversity can be preserved. THINK ABOUT IT From multicolored coral

More information

ENDANGERED AND THREATENED

ENDANGERED AND THREATENED ENDANGERED AND THREATENED Understand how species in the Sonoran Desert Region may become endangered or threatened and what is being done to protect them. ARIZONA SCIENCE STANDARDS SC03-S4C3-03&04, SC08-S1C3-07,

More information

Lesson 1. Objectives: ocus: Subjects:

Lesson 1. Objectives: ocus: Subjects: Lesson 1 The Web of Life Objectives: 1. Understand the concept of an ecosystem. 2. Understand the interdependence of members of an ecosystem. Subjects: 1. Ecology 2. Language 3. Art MATERIALS: Copies of

More information

Ecosystems and Food Webs

Ecosystems and Food Webs Ecosystems and Food Webs How do AIS affect our lakes? Background Information All things on the planet both living and nonliving interact. An Ecosystem is defined as the set of elements, living and nonliving,

More information

CHAPTER 20 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY

CHAPTER 20 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY CHAPTER 20 COMMUNITY ECOLOGY MULTIPLE CHOICE 1. The relationship between a predator and its prey is best illustrated by a. a snake eating a bird. c. a lion eating a zebra. b. a fox eating a mouse. d. a

More information

Name Date Hour. Plants grow in layers. The canopy receives about 95% of the sunlight leaving little sun for the forest floor.

Name Date Hour. Plants grow in layers. The canopy receives about 95% of the sunlight leaving little sun for the forest floor. Name Date Hour Directions: You are to complete the table by using your environmental text book and the example given here. You want to locate all the abiotic (non-living) and biotic (living) factors in

More information

food chains reflect How are these organisms important to one another? organism: a living thing

food chains reflect How are these organisms important to one another? organism: a living thing reflect Different plants and animals live together. Look at the picture of the garden. What organisms live there? Grass, trees, bugs, and birds live there. Fish and frogs live there, too. Can you think

More information

www.irishseedsavers.ie Natural surface water on earth includes lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, estuaries, seas and oceans.

www.irishseedsavers.ie Natural surface water on earth includes lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, estuaries, seas and oceans. www.irishseedsavers.ie POND LIFE FACT SHEET Natural surface water on earth includes lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, estuaries, seas and oceans. A pond is a small body of fresh water shallow enough for sunlight

More information

Living Things and the Environment

Living Things and the Environment Living Things and the Environment (pages 6 11) Habitats (page 7) Key Concept: An organism obtains food, water, shelter, and other things it needs to live, grow, and reproduce from its environment. An organism

More information

Ecology Module B, Anchor 4

Ecology Module B, Anchor 4 Ecology Module B, Anchor 4 Key Concepts: - The biological influences on organisms are called biotic factors. The physical components of an ecosystem are called abiotic factors. - Primary producers are

More information

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES

ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGES reflect How do you respond to environmental changes? Maybe you wear different types of clothes in different seasons. Maybe you only ride your bike during certain times of the year. What if you moved to

More information

Use this diagram of a food web to answer questions 1 through 5.

Use this diagram of a food web to answer questions 1 through 5. North arolina Testing Program EO iology Sample Items Goal 4 Use this diagram of a food web to answer questions 1 through 5. coyotes 3. If these organisms were arranged in a food pyramid, which organism

More information

Lesson Plan Two - Ecosystems

Lesson Plan Two - Ecosystems Lesson Plan Two - Ecosystems Summary Students discuss what living things need to survive. They identify the abiotic and biotic components of an ecosystem and describe the roles and interactions of producers

More information

6.4 Taigas and Tundras

6.4 Taigas and Tundras 6.4 Taigas and Tundras In this section, you will learn about the largest and coldest biomes on Earth. The taiga is the largest land biome and the tundra is the coldest. The taiga The largest land biome

More information

8.2 - A Local Ecosystem:

8.2 - A Local Ecosystem: 8.2 - A Local Ecosystem: 1. The distribution, diversity and numbers of plants and animals found in ecosystems are determined by biotic and abiotic factors: Distinguish between the abiotic and biotic factors

More information

Animal Environmental Internal Response Types

Animal Environmental Internal Response Types Animal Environmental Internal Response Types Stimuli Stimuli Panting (P) Sweating (S) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. What happens to you internally (in your body) when you run as fast as you can around

More information

Practice Questions 1: Evolution

Practice Questions 1: Evolution Practice Questions 1: Evolution 1. Which concept is best illustrated in the flowchart below? A. natural selection B. genetic manipulation C. dynamic equilibrium D. material cycles 2. The diagram below

More information

IDENTIFICATION OF ORGANISMS

IDENTIFICATION OF ORGANISMS reflect Take a look at the pictures on the right. Think about what the two organisms have in common. They both need food and water to survive. They both grow and reproduce. They both have similar body

More information

Population Growth Activity Date Per

Population Growth Activity Date Per Population Growth Activity Name Date Per Objectives: You will graph the population growth of different populations and use it to predict future growth. You will identify factors that affect population

More information

The Need Is Mutual: The Importance of Biological Interactions

The Need Is Mutual: The Importance of Biological Interactions The Need Is Mutual: The Importance of Biological Interactions Science Topic: Food Webs Grades: 6 th -8 th Essential Question: What kinds of relationships are involved in biological interactions? Lesson

More information

Section 3: Trophic Structures

Section 3: Trophic Structures Marine Conservation Science and Policy Service learning Program Trophic Structure refers to the way in which organisms utilize food resources and hence where energy transfer occurs within an ecosystem.

More information

FOOD CHAINS, FOOD WEBS AND ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS

FOOD CHAINS, FOOD WEBS AND ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS FOOD CHAINS, FOOD WEBS AND ECOLOGICAL PYRAMIDS SECTION 1 In an ecosystem, plants capture the sun's energy and use it to convert inorganic compounds into energy-rich organic compounds. This process of using

More information

AP Biology Unit I: Ecological Interactions

AP Biology Unit I: Ecological Interactions AP Biology Unit I: Ecological Interactions Essential knowledge 1.C.1: Speciation and extinction have occurred throughout the Earth s history. Species extinction rates are rapid at times of ecological stress.

More information

Section 1 The Earth System

Section 1 The Earth System Section 1 The Earth System Key Concept Earth is a complex system made up of many smaller systems through which matter and energy are continuously cycled. What You Will Learn Energy and matter flow through

More information

5.1 Ecosystems, Energy, and Nutrients

5.1 Ecosystems, Energy, and Nutrients CHAPTER 5 ECOSYSTEMS 5.1 Ecosystems, Energy, and Nutrients Did anyone ever ask you the question: Where do you get your energy? Energy enters our world from the Sun but how does the Sun s energy become

More information

Producers, Consumers, and Food Webs

Producers, Consumers, and Food Webs reflect Think about the last meal you ate. Where did the food come from? Maybe it came from the grocery store or a restaurant. Maybe it even came from your backyard. Now think of a lion living on the plains

More information

Grade 8 English Language Arts 59B Reading and Responding Lesson 23

Grade 8 English Language Arts 59B Reading and Responding Lesson 23 GRADE 8 English Language Arts Reading and Responding: Lesson 23 Read aloud to the students the material that is printed in boldface type inside the boxes. Information in regular type inside the boxes and

More information

STUDY GUIDE ECOLOGY. CHAPTER 21: Populations 1. An overview of ecology. Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment.

STUDY GUIDE ECOLOGY. CHAPTER 21: Populations 1. An overview of ecology. Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. STUDY GUIDE ECOLOGY CHAPTER 21: Populations 1. An overview of ecology. Ecology is the study of interactions between organisms and their environment. 2. A Hierarchy of interactions: cells tissues organs

More information

Rainforest Concern Module 2 Why do we need rainforests?

Rainforest Concern Module 2 Why do we need rainforests? Rainforest Concern Module 2 Why do we need rainforests? Rainforest Concern Module 2: Why do we need Rainforest? Before we go any further, there are some words you may not understand, and these words and

More information

REVIEW UNIT 10: ECOLOGY SAMPLE QUESTIONS

REVIEW UNIT 10: ECOLOGY SAMPLE QUESTIONS Period Date REVIEW UNIT 10: ECOLOGY SAMPLE QUESTIONS A. Sample Multiple Choice Questions Complete the multiple choice questions to review this unit. 1. All of the following are density-dependent factors

More information

Pond Vocabulary Words and Meanings

Pond Vocabulary Words and Meanings Pond Vocabulary Words and Meanings Adapt: to adjust to a use or situation Aquatic: from or in the water Bacteria: tiny organisms, too small to be seen with the naked eye Carnivore: an animal that eats

More information

China The Giant Panda

China The Giant Panda China The Giant Panda China The Giant Panda Deep in a forest, a black-and-white bear sits peacefully. It chews the green leaves of a plant. The bear is alone, but there are others not too far away. Later,

More information

Dear Teachers: Welcome to dynamic science

Dear Teachers: Welcome to dynamic science Educator s Resource Guide GRADES 6 8 Dear Teachers: Welcome to dynamic science activities inspired by the IMAX film. These materials, created by Scholastic Inc., IMAX Corporation, and Warner Bros. Pictures,

More information

Ranger Report About Deforestation of the Rainforest

Ranger Report About Deforestation of the Rainforest Ranger Report About Deforestation of the Rainforest About deforestation Forests are cut down for many reasons, but most of them are related to money or to people s need to provide for their families. The

More information

Life in the Bay Getting to know the Bay s plants and animals

Life in the Bay Getting to know the Bay s plants and animals Life in the Bay Getting to know the Bay s plants and animals Over erview iew In this activity students will become acquainted with a plant or animal that lives in the San Francisco Bay. Students will research

More information

1. Which list contains only nonliving things in an environment?

1. Which list contains only nonliving things in an environment? Grade 3 Standard 2 Unit Test Environment Multiple Choice 1. Which list contains only nonliving things in an environment? A. snails, water, mushrooms B. soil, trees, worms C. sunlight, water, soil D. rocks,

More information

Ecosystems. The two main ecosystem processes: Energy flow and Chemical cycling

Ecosystems. The two main ecosystem processes: Energy flow and Chemical cycling Ecosystems THE REALM OF ECOLOGY Biosphere An island ecosystem A desert spring ecosystem Biosphere Ecosystem Ecology: Interactions between the species in a given habitat and their physical environment.

More information

This hands-on activity incorporates observing, classifying, predicting, sequencing, formulating models, and drawing conclusions.

This hands-on activity incorporates observing, classifying, predicting, sequencing, formulating models, and drawing conclusions. SCIENCE Science and the Environment 4 th Grade FOOD CHAINS Overview: All organisms, or living things, depend on other organisms for nutrients. The movement of nutrients through an environment is visualized

More information

2.2 Interactions Among Species

2.2 Interactions Among Species Key Terms ecological niche bog predator prey mutualism parasite ecological niche the way that an organism occupies a position in an ecosystem, including all the necessary biotic and abiotic factors 2.2

More information

Importance of Wildlife

Importance of Wildlife Importance of Wildlife The wildlife comprises all living organism (plants, animals, microorganisms) in their natural habitats which are neither cultivated or domesticated nor tamed. But in its strictest

More information

food webs reflect look out! what do you think?

food webs reflect look out! what do you think? reflect Imagine for a moment that you stay after school one day to clean up the classroom. While cleaning, you move some plants away from the sunny windows. A week later, you remember to move the plants

More information

The main source of energy in most ecosystems is sunlight.

The main source of energy in most ecosystems is sunlight. Energy in Ecosystems: Ecology: Part 2: Energy and Biomass The main source of energy in most ecosystems is sunlight. What is the amount of energy from the sun? 100 W/ft 2 The energy gets transferred through

More information

Grade 10 - Sustainability of Ecosystems - Pre-Assessment. Grade 7 - Interactions Within Ecosystems. Grade 10 - Sustainability of Ecosystems

Grade 10 - Sustainability of Ecosystems - Pre-Assessment. Grade 7 - Interactions Within Ecosystems. Grade 10 - Sustainability of Ecosystems Purpose: This document is for grade 10 teachers to use as a pre-assessment for the Sustainability of Ecosystems unit. It assesses students understanding of the of the end of unit knowledge outcomes from

More information

Reef Magic Education and Research Field trips. Links to the Australian Curriculum v6.0 Science

Reef Magic Education and Research Field trips. Links to the Australian Curriculum v6.0 Science Reef Magic Education and Research Field trips. Links to the Australian Curriculum v6.0 Science Year Level Biological Science Description Foundation Living things have basic needs including food and water.

More information

a. a population. c. an ecosystem. b. a community. d. a species.

a. a population. c. an ecosystem. b. a community. d. a species. Name: practice test Score: 0 / 35 (0%) [12 subjective questions not graded] The Biosphere Practice Test Multiple Choice Identify the letter of the choice that best completes the statement or answers the

More information

M O N T E R E Y B A Y A Q U A R I U M

M O N T E R E Y B A Y A Q U A R I U M Topics Biodiversity, Measurement Grades K-2 Sites Schoolyard, Classroom Duration 15-30 minutes each month throughout the school year Materials Quadrats (see Teacher Preparation, page 2) Thermometer Tape

More information

Population Ecology. Life History Traits as Evolutionary Adaptations

Population Ecology. Life History Traits as Evolutionary Adaptations Population Ecology An Overview of Population Ecology Population ecology is the study of factors that affect population: Density Growth A population is a group of individuals of a single species that occupy

More information

Prairie Food Chains & Webs Producers, Consumers & Decomposers

Prairie Food Chains & Webs Producers, Consumers & Decomposers Kansas Prairies s, s & Decomposers Science, Life Science, Reading, Math Materials Vocabulary worksheet Food Chain worksheet Overview To explore the organisms found on a prairie and identify the various

More information

Creating Chains and Webs to Model Ecological Relationships

Creating Chains and Webs to Model Ecological Relationships Creating Chains and Webs to Model Ecological Relationships Overview This hands-on activity supports the HHMI short film The Guide and the 2015 Holiday Lectures on Science: Patterns and Processes in Ecology.

More information

Biomes An Overview of Ecology Biomes Freshwater Biomes

Biomes An Overview of Ecology Biomes Freshwater Biomes Biomes An Overview of Ecology Ecology is the scientific study of the interactions between organisms and their environments. Ecology can be divided into four increasingly comprehensive levels: Organismal

More information

How do abiotic factors and physical processes impact life in the ocean?

How do abiotic factors and physical processes impact life in the ocean? This website would like to remind you: Your browser (Apple Safari 7) is out of date. Update your browser for more security, comfort and the best experience on this site. Activitydevelop Ocean Abiotic Factors

More information

3.1 Measuring Biodiversity

3.1 Measuring Biodiversity 3.1 Measuring Biodiversity Every year, a news headline reads, New species discovered in. For example, in 2006, scientists discovered 36 new species of fish, corals, and shrimp in the warm ocean waters

More information

Chapter 3 Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems

Chapter 3 Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems Communities, Biomes, and Ecosystems Section 1: Community Ecology Section 2: Terrestrial Biomes Section 3: Aquatic Ecosystems Click on a lesson name to select. 3.1 Community Ecology Communities A biological

More information

3. Which relationship can correctly be inferred from the data presented in the graphs below?

3. Which relationship can correctly be inferred from the data presented in the graphs below? 1. Recent evidence indicates that lakes in large areas of New York State are being affected by acid rain. The major effect of acid rain in the lakes is (1) an increase in game fish population levels (3)

More information

Jennifer Carmack Cannon s Point Unit

Jennifer Carmack Cannon s Point Unit Jennifer Carmack Cannon s Point Unit Unit Organizer: (Approximate Time: 5 days) OVERVIEW: Organisms are dependent upon other organisms for survival. The absence of one organism can disrupt all other organisms

More information

Worksheet: The theory of natural selection

Worksheet: The theory of natural selection Worksheet: The theory of natural selection Senior Phase Grade 7-9 Learning area: Natural Science Strand: Life and living Theme: Biodiversity, change and continuity Specific Aim 1: Acquiring knowledge of

More information

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL STIMULI

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL STIMULI reflect Think for a moment about activities that require balance. Riding a bicycle and walking across a balance beam require great balance. So do most daily activities like bending over to pick up a book

More information

Life Science Study Guide. Environment Everything that surrounds and influences (has an effect on) an organism.

Life Science Study Guide. Environment Everything that surrounds and influences (has an effect on) an organism. Life Science Study Guide Environment Everything that surrounds and influences (has an effect on) an organism. Organism Any living thing, including plants and animals. Environmental Factor An environmental

More information

Animals of the Desert

Animals of the Desert Animals of the Desert (NatureScope Discovering Deserts page 26-27) Third Grade Core: Standard 2 Objective 2 Describe the interactions between living and nonliving things in a small environment. Teach a

More information

Section 5.1 Food chains and food webs

Section 5.1 Food chains and food webs Section 5.1 Food chains and food webs The ultimate source of energy in an ecosystem comes from sunlight This energy is converted to an organic form using photosynthesis which is then passed between organisms

More information

PLANET EARTH: Seasonal Forests

PLANET EARTH: Seasonal Forests PLANET EARTH: Seasonal Forests Teacher s Guide Grade Level: 6-8 Running Time: 42 minutes Program Description Investigate temperate forests and find some of the most elusive creatures and welladapted plant

More information

Biology Chapter 5 Test

Biology Chapter 5 Test Name: Class: _ Date: _ Biology Chapter 5 Test Multiple Choice Identify the choice that best completes the statement or answers the question. 1. What does the range of a population tell you that density

More information

Climate Change: A Local Focus on a Global Issue Newfoundland and Labrador Curriculum Links 2010-2011

Climate Change: A Local Focus on a Global Issue Newfoundland and Labrador Curriculum Links 2010-2011 Climate Change: A Local Focus on a Global Issue Newfoundland and Labrador Curriculum Links 2010-2011 HEALTH Kindergarten: Grade 1: Grade 2: Know that litter can spoil the environment. Grade 3: Grade 4:

More information

Program goal: Students will have a better awareness and understanding of butterflies and their habitats

Program goal: Students will have a better awareness and understanding of butterflies and their habitats Butterfly Builders Students will investigate butterflies and their life cycle through a variety of activities including a story, game and science investigation. The lesson will end with a guided trip to

More information

One basic need of living things is energy. Living things use food and water to get energy. The bird is living. It eats fish for energy.

One basic need of living things is energy. Living things use food and water to get energy. The bird is living. It eats fish for energy. reflect If you are cold, what can you do to get warm? You could put on a coat and hat. You can jump in place. These are ways you might react to the cold. Now think about a rock. What if a rock is somewhere

More information

Ecology - scientific study of how individuals interact with their environment 34.1

Ecology - scientific study of how individuals interact with their environment 34.1 Biology 1407 Exam 4 Notes - Ecology Ch.35-36 Ecology - scientific study of how individuals interact with their environment 34.1 - organisms have adapted to - evolved in - a particular set of conditions;

More information

Regents Biology LAB. STUDY OF POPULATION DENSITY ON A SUBURBAN LAWN

Regents Biology LAB. STUDY OF POPULATION DENSITY ON A SUBURBAN LAWN Period Date LAB. STUDY OF POPULATION DENSITY ON A SUBURBAN LAWN Ecological communities are built on the interactions between the creatures (both plants and animals) that live there and the physical environment

More information

Biodiversity Concepts

Biodiversity Concepts Biodiversity Concepts WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY? Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth. For any kind of animal or plant each individual is not exactly the same as any other; nor are species or ecosystems.

More information

14.1. Every organism has a habitat and a niche. A habitat differs from a niche. Interactions in Ecosystems CHAPTER 14.

14.1. Every organism has a habitat and a niche. A habitat differs from a niche. Interactions in Ecosystems CHAPTER 14. SECTION 14.1 HABITAT AND NICHE Study Guide KEY CONCEPT Every organism has a habitat and a niche. VOCABULARY habitat ecological niche competitive exclusion ecological equivalent A habitat differs from a

More information

Fighting Fire with Fire: Can Fire Positively Impact an Ecosystem?

Fighting Fire with Fire: Can Fire Positively Impact an Ecosystem? Fighting Fire with Fire: Can Fire Positively Impact an Ecosystem? Science Topic: Fire Ecology Grades: 6 th 8 th Essential Questions: What role does fire play in maintaining healthy ecosystems? How does

More information

GCSE BITESIZE Examinations

GCSE BITESIZE Examinations GCSE BITESIZE Examinations General Certificate of Secondary Education AQA SCIENCE A BLY1B Unit Biology B1b (Evolution and Environment) AQA BIOLOGY Unit Biology B1b (Evolution and Environment) FOUNDATION

More information

Food Chains and Food Webs

Food Chains and Food Webs Program Support Notes by: Spiro Liacos B.Ed. Produced by: VEA Pty Ltd Commissioning Editor: Sandra Frerichs B.Ed, M.Ed. Executive Producers: Edwina Baden-Powell B.A, CVP. Sandra Frerichs B.Ed, M.Ed. You

More information

These pages build on Units 2B & C and introduce predator-prey relationships and food chains.

These pages build on Units 2B & C and introduce predator-prey relationships and food chains. Unit 4B Habitats Teaching Notes These pages build on Units 2B & C and introduce predator-prey relationships and food chains. Curriculum, resource and other links Sc1 & Sc2 Resources Associated with this

More information

Facts on biodiversity

Facts on biodiversity Facts on biodiversity What is biodiversity? Biological diversity (biodiversity) comprises diversity of species and habitats as well as the genetic diversity within the individual species of fauna and flora.

More information

1. Biodiversity & Distribution of Life

1. Biodiversity & Distribution of Life National 5 Biology Unit 3 Life on Earth Summary notes 1. Biodiversity & Distribution of Life Perhaps the best place to start in this topic is with Biomes. Biomes are regions of our planet which have a

More information

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM for CLASS IX to X

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM for CLASS IX to X ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE CURRICULUM for CLASS IX to X The Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) in collaboration with Department of Curriculum Research & Development (DCRD) of Ministry of Education

More information

A STUDY OF BIOMES. In this module the students will research and illustrate the different biomes of the world.

A STUDY OF BIOMES. In this module the students will research and illustrate the different biomes of the world. A STUDY OF BIOMES http://bellnetweb.brc.tamus.edu/res_grid/biomes.htm A HIGH SCHOOL BIOLOGY / ECOLOGY MODULE Summary: In this module the students will research and illustrate the different biomes of the

More information

reflect look out! organisms: living things

reflect look out! organisms: living things reflect Imagine that a student in your school fell down and is having difficulty breathing. Sirens wail as an ambulance pulls into the school parking lot. The emergency workers rush over to help the student.

More information

Differences Between 1997 Illinois Learning Standards and 2014 Illinois Learning Standards (NGSS)

Differences Between 1997 Illinois Learning Standards and 2014 Illinois Learning Standards (NGSS) Differences Between 1997 Illinois Learning Standards and 2014 Illinois Learning Standards (NGSS) 1997 Illinois Learning Standards in Science 2014 Illinois Learning Standards (NGSS) Grouped by grade spans:

More information

Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem. Food Chains, Food Webs, and Ecological Pyramids

Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem. Food Chains, Food Webs, and Ecological Pyramids Energy Flow Through an Ecosystem Food Chains, Food Webs, and Ecological Pyramids What is Ecology? ECOLOGY is a branch of biology that studies ecosystems. Ecological Terminology Environment Ecology Biotic

More information

Water from the Air: Cloud Forests

Water from the Air: Cloud Forests Water from the Air: Cloud Forests Alden Wicker Water from the Air: Cloud Forests In the Americas, Asia, and Africa, there s a special kind of forest. It s rare, beautiful, and incredibly important to the

More information

PHOTOSYNTHESIS. reflect. what do you think?

PHOTOSYNTHESIS. reflect. what do you think? reflect Suppose you place a plant on a sunny windowsill and water it regularly. At the same time you place a similar plant in a dark closet and keep it watered, too. The only difference between the two

More information

Food Web Crasher. An introduction to food chains and food webs

Food Web Crasher. An introduction to food chains and food webs Food Web Crasher An introduction to food chains and food webs Activity Students create a physical food web and watch what happens when an aquatic nuisance species is introduced into the ecosystem. Grade

More information

Activity 3 Interview Activity

Activity 3 Interview Activity Activity 3 Interview Activity Objective & Overview: Students will experience a broad array of viewpoints by collecting other people s views on panda conservation issues. Teacher Background Information:

More information