Unit 3 -- The Dynamics of Ecosystems

Similar to biomes, but operating within smaller geographic areas, are Ecosystems. Within each biome there are often many different ecosystems. In this unit we will study the components and the dynamics of ecosystems, that is, how the various components of an ecosystem interact and function together. In the process we will come to understand the interactions of non-living (abiotic) components in an ecosystem to the living (biotic) components. We will also closely examine populations and communities within ecosystems and the interactions and relationships between them including competition, symbiosis, and ecological succession. We complete the unit by studying energy and nutrient flow through ecosystems.

Assignment 1: Review Abiotic vs. Biotic by watching the following short video.



Assignment 2: Populations -- mini-lecture. Take notes. Complete appropriate parts of the Ecosystems Dynamics worksheet as you go. Click here to view worksheet. Continue making flash cards for new terms.

Watch this video to review what you have learned about Populations and Biotic Potential.



Assignment 3: Watch the following video on "Communities."



Assignment 4: Relationships Among Populations in a Community -- power point. Take notes and continue to fill-in the worksheet. Click here to view power point.

Take a look at this symbiotic relationship between wasps and aphids.



Assignment 5: Ecological Succession -- power point. Take notes and participate in class discussion afterwards. Complete the last section of the Ecosystem Dynamics worksheet as we go. (Click here to access power point)

Watch this video to review the difference between Primary vs. Secondary Succession.



Watch the following video on Climax Communities. Be prepared to discuss what you learn with the rest of the class.



Fieldtrip: Take a walk outdoors. Note the various stages of ecological succession you see along the way.

Asssignment6: As an introduction to Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling through an Ecosystem, watch the following short video by the same name.



Assignment 7: Food Chains -- mini-lecture. Take notes and participate in class discussion. Complete appropriate parts of the Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling helpsheet as you go. (Click here to view worksheet)

To view the power point version of the mini-lecture, click here.

Project: Food Chain poster -- Follow instructions (click here to see instructions). Work independently. Your objective is to create a poster of a food chain that exists in an ecosystem that you select. Turn in your poster to your instructor when it has been completed.

Assignment 8: Energy Pyramids -- mini-lecture. Take notes and participate in class discussion. (Click here to view power point version of the mini-lecture)

Click here to recap what you have learned about Energy Pyramids.

Assignment 8: Nutrient Cycles -- mini lecture. Take notes. Draw a simple diagram for each nutrient cycle (use the space provided on the Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycling helpheet). Continue to record new terms on the helpsheet and make flash cards of each word.

To review:
The water cycle, click here.
the carbon cycle, click here.
the nitrogen cycle, click here.
the phosphorous cycle, click here.

Unit Test: Test will cover all the material studied concerning the dynamics of ecosystems. It includes what we learned about population growth, the various interactions between populations within a community, ecological succession, the dynamics of food chains, and nutrient cycling.

Unit 1 - Organisms and their Environment

In this first unit we begin our study of Environmental Science by introducing and developing the concept of "environment." Ultimately we will see that the "environment" is inextricably linked to the organisms that live in it. With that in mind we will finish this unit with an introduction to an array of global environments we call Biomes along with the climate, animals, and plants that define them.

SEC1. Students will investigate how biotic and abiotic factors interact to affect the distribution of species and the diversity of life on Earth.
a. Characterize the biotic and abiotic components that define various biomes and aquatic life zones.
b. Explore how global climate patterns and biogeography affect the distribution and abundance of species on Earth.

Assignment 1: Watch either the video "How the Earth was Made" or a shorter video entitled "The History of Life on Earth." Click here to view the short video. Pay attention to the different environments that existed on earth through its 4.5 billion year history until we arrive at the array of environments that exist today.  Record the information in the Earth's Environments worksheet. Click here to see worksheet.  Afterward, participate in a class discussion.

Assignment 2: New Vocabulary: Watch the video below entitled "Environment, Ecosystems and Habitat." Fill in the definitions for the terms listed on the Environment and Ecology vocabulary sheet (click here to see vocabulary sheet). Afterwards, participate in a class discussion to review what you have learned.



Watch the video below that reviews Biotic vs. Abiotic factors in an environment.



Assignment 3: Make a set of flashcards for the vocabulary words you defined in Assignment 2 above. Write each term on one side of an index card and copy the definition (from your vocabulary sheet) on the reverse side of each card. Now, in groups of 2-3, study the terms on the cards. Your goal is to learn the definitions of each term as quickly as possible. Quiz each other for about 15-20 minutes; then stop. Carry the cards home with you and continue to study the terms. Be prepared for a short quiz on the terms tomorrow.

Quiz: Matching vocabulary quiz on terms you have been placing on flash cards. Also, expect at least one question based on the video "How the Earth was Made."

Assignment 4: Biomes -- view the two videos below. Fill-in Biome Worksheet as you go (click here to see worksheet). Your goal is to write down and learn the name of each terrestrial (land) biome, the region on earth where it can be found, its climate, and examples of the animals and plants that live there. Also, keep up with new vocabulary (see Useful Vocabulary section of worksheet) and continue to make flashcards.





To Review what you have learned about Terrestrial Biomes, view the videos below:
What is a Biome? click here to find out.
Click here to view video on the Tundra
Click here to view video on the Taiga
Click her to view video on Temperate Grasslands
Click here to view video on Savannahs (hot grasslands)
Click here to view video on the Temperate Deciduous Forest
Click here to view video on the Desert
Click here to view video on Tropical Rain Forest

Assignment 4: Aquatic Biomes -- mini-lecture. Take notes. Continue to define terms on the Biome worksheet.

Click here to view a video summarizing Aquatic Biomes

Assignment 5: Watch the following video on "Wetlands." Take notes and then write a short essay listing at least 3 reasons why wetlands are extremely valuable (important) to humans.

Field Project: Conduct a Limnological Survey. A limnological survey involves observing, measuring, and collecting information on the physical, chemical and biological components of an inland water body such as a pond or lake (View the short video below to preview what to expect). After conducting the survey, summarize your findings in a written report. Click here for details and survey forms.



Quiz: Biomes -- Quiz will test your knowledge of both terrestrial and aquatic biomes, including where they can be found on the earth, physical conditions such as climate, salinity, or the amount of light they receive, and what kinds of animals and plants have adapted to live in them.