Ecology Grade Level Expectations

Ecology Grade Level Expectations

Unit 1: Living and Non-Living Systems Understand: 1. Science research is conducted to explain the natural world. It must be peer reviewed and replicable. 2. Earths spheres interact in a way that supports life. 3. Energy flows and nutrients cycle through an ecosystem. Energy and matter are always conserved.

Know: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

That Science is an attempt to explain the natural world based on objective evidence. The difference between peer reviewed and non peer reviewed resources. The definitions of Theory, Law and Hypothesis. Ecology is the study of any and all aspects of how organisms interact with each other and their environment. The four spheres of the earth, their structure and interaction. There is a 10% efficiency of biomass and energy transferred between each trophic level. How the Laws of Thermodynamics apply to an ecosystem. How carbon, water, nitrogen, phosphorous cycle through living and non living systems in an ecosystem. How photosynthesis and respiration interact.

Be Able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Conduct scientific research using valid sources and methods. Diagram the layers of the atmosphere. Identify the 4 sphere and their function in an ecosystem. Distinguish between a food chain and a food web. Diagram and label the trophic levels in a biomass pyramid Apply the Laws of Thermodynamics to an ecosystem Diagram and label the flow of nutrients through an ecosystem. Write out and explain the chemical formula for photosynthesis and respiration / decomposition.

Unit 2: Interaction and Adaptation in the Biosphere Understand: 1. Biomes, distinguished by climate, are the basic unit of an ecosystem 2. Populations within biomes have unique relationships 3. As ecosystems change over time organisms evolve through natural selection in response to environmental change

Know: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

What a biome is The distinguishing characteristics of a biome The role climate plays in defining biomes The definition of symbiotic relationships The mechanisms of population dynamics (equilibrium, predator / prey, invasive species, keystone species) 6. The difference between primary and secondary succession 7. Changes in the environment force species to adapt, migrate or become extinct over time 8. Natural selection is the process by which species adapt to change

Be Able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Differentiate biomes Compare and contrast biomes Identify symbiotic relationships between organisms as mutualism, parasitism or commensalism Predict the effects on an ecosystem as population mechanics change Identify the stage of succession based on species counts Predict the response of organisms to environmental change Use the geological record to identify species that have adapted, migrated or become extinct over time

Unit 3: Plant, Animal and Human Societies Understand: 1. Populations are effected by growth factors, limiting factors and demography.

Know: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

What linear and exponential growth are The factors that limit growth What carrying capacity is Human population have an impact on the ecosystem Human population growth is correlated to socioeconomic status There is a correlation between socioeconomic status and resource consumption Rates of fertility, mortality and migration are determined by socioeconomic status

Be Able to: 1. 2. 3. 4.

Graph a linear and exponential growth curve Predict populations based on a growth curve Explain how carrying capacity limits populations Analyze the relationship of socioeconomic status, fertility, mortality, migration and resource consumption.

Unit 4: Natural Resources Understand: 1. Natural resources within and ecosystem are critical for survival. 2. Human processes have an effect on the quality of natural resources.

Know: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

The Earth’s distribution of water The types of water consumption The difference between point and non point water pollution The methods used to treat water What ozone is, what it does and its location in the atmosphere The source and effects of particulates in the atmosphere The causes and effects of acid rain The difference between weather and climate That climates change over time How green house gases operate in the atmosphere to effect Earth’s heat exchange How soils form Methods of soil conservation

Be Able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Explain the distribution of Earth’s water by percentage Classify surface water as standing or moving Diagram a ground water system Identify alpine and continental glaciers on a map Analyze data to determine rate of consumption by category Identify sources of point and non point water pollution Determine what method of treatment is appropriate for surface or ground water pollutants Explain the process of acid rain formation and its effect on ecosystems Analyze climate data sets to determine changes that have occurred Identify soils horizons

Unit 5: Resource Allocation Understand: 1. There is a correlation between the consumption of natural resources and the level of sustainability of any population / society.

Know: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

The difference between renewable and nonrenewable energy sources The various ways electricity is generated for human consumption. Policies are enacted to manage natural resources and protect ecosystem health The correlation between economic status and resource exploitation The difference between conservation or preservation How recycling impacts the consumption rate of natural resources All species have biological value The difference between instrumental and intrinsic value of biodiversity Habitat degradation negatively affects species diversity.

Be Able to: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Identify potential alternatives to nonrenewable energy sources Evaluate the environmental consequences of various electrical production methods. Analyze energy supply vs. demand data Analyze the correlation between economic status and resource exploitation Evaluate the value of a species in an ecosystem Explain negative effects of human activity on biodiversity in an ecosystem