A+Local+Ecosystem

Below is the context for this unit. You are invited to add any news or ideas about this topic, which we are due to start in term 3. The environment has an impact on all organisms in ways that a Biology student will learn to recognise and explain. Students are able to draw on existing knowledge of their own local area and expand on their understanding of biological concepts that can be identified through careful analysis of the biotic and abiotic factors operating. While the study of the relationships of organisms with each other and with their physical environment can be theoretically presented in a classroom setting or by using simulations of natural populations, communities and even ecosystems, the study of ecology in the field is essential. Study of this module must include field experience of a local terrestrial or aquatic ecosystem to observe and measure some of the abiotic parameters to which the main plant and animal species are adapted and to study some of the trophic, competitive and symbiotic interactions between organisms in that ecosystem. Students should be encouraged to analyse and report on those aspects of the local environment that have been affected by people and propose realistic solutions to the problems that exist. The report should include: a statement of purpose; a clear and detailed description of the area studied; any background material collected on the area; appropriate presentation of data collected; analysis of data; suggestions of the relationships that exist in the area; and an assessment of human impact on the area. This module increases students’ understanding of the nature, practice and applications of biology. //Domain: knowledge and understanding// Refer to the //Science Years 7–10 Syllabus// for the following: 5.10a) distinguish between biotic and abiotic features of the local environment 5.10b) describe the importance of cycles of materials in ecosystems 5.10c) describe some impacts of human activities on ecosystems 5.11.2a) relate pollution to contamination by unwanted substances 5.11.2c) discuss strategies used to balance human activities and needs in ecosystems with conserving, protecting and maintaining the quality and sustainability of the environment..
 * 8.2 A Local Ecosystem**
 * Contextual Outline**
 * Assumed Knowledge**

Glossary:

or the metabolic processes whereby certain organisms obtain energy from organic molecules or processes that take place in the cells and tissues during which energy is released and carbon dioxide is produced and absorbed by the blood ||
 * Ecology || Sarah ||
 * Environment || Tori ||
 * Ecosystem || a system formed by the interaction of a community of organisms with their physical environment -disha ||
 * Abiotic || Phoebe ||
 * Biotic || Bec ||
 * Distribution || Heather ||
 * Abundance || Maddie ||
 * Aquatic || Michele ||
 * Terrestrial || Isabela ||
 * Transect ||  ||
 * Quadrat ||  ||
 * Photosynthesis || the process a plant uses to combine sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce oxygen and sugar (energy). ||
 * Respiration || Transport of oxygen from the outside air to the cells within tissues, and the transport of carbon dioxide in the opposite direction
 * Biochemical ||  ||
 * Resources ||  ||
 * Estimate ||  ||
 * Population || Groups of organisms of the same species living in the same area at the same time :) ||
 * Predator || any animal that lives by preying on other animals. ||
 * Prey ||  ||
 * Producer ||  ||
 * Consumer ||  ||
 * Decomposer ||  ||
 * Food chain ||  ||
 * Food web ||  ||
 * Allelopathy ||  ||
 * Parasitism ||  ||
 * Mutualism ||  ||
 * Commensalism ||  ||
 * Trophic ||  ||
 * Biomass pyramid ||  ||
 * Energy pyramid ||  ||
 * Adaptation ||  ||
 * Pollution ||  ||
 * Contamination ||  ||
 * Energy ||  ||