Environmental Science
At the conclusion of this unit you will understand that…
Abiotic factors affect organisms and their interactions within an environment.
The roles and relationships organisms take on within a community impact populations within an ecosystem.
Inquiring scientific minds will be able to answer these essential questions...
How do plant and animal characteristics help organisms survive in their environment?
How do the abiotic and biotic factors affect an ecosystem?
What are some ways that organisms are classified within a food web?
What are the various niches and relationships among organisms in a habitat?
What are some variables/environmental factors that affect population sizes and behaviors?
What are the characteristics of the different biomes?
What is the transfer of energy within a food pyramid including the biomass relationships?
Key Scientific Concepts/Vocabulary…
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Conservation |
Ecology |
Biosphere |
Carrying capacity |
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Threatened species |
Endangered species |
Limiting factors |
Photosynthesis |
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Succession |
Climax community |
Parasite |
Host |
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Abiotic |
Biotic |
Biome |
Biomass |
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Environment |
Habitat |
Niche |
Commensalism |
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Symbiosis |
Mutualism |
Parasitism |
Producer |
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Consumer |
Herbivore |
Carnivore |
Omnivore |
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Predator |
Prey |
Detritus |
Decomposer |
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Food chain |
Food web |
Energy pyramid |
Extinction |
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Population |
Ecosystem |
Community |
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Young ecologists will be able to….
Design and label a food web
Describe roles and relationships within an environment
Describe the differences between biotic and abiotic factors
Describe major characteristics of biomes.
Select appropriate lab equipment.
Demonstrate safe and appropriate use of lab equipment.
Effectively communicate results.
Last updated 09/22/2006