Ecology is the Science of relationships. It focuses on the interactions between organisms and their environment.
Activity 1 - abiotic & biotic factors
The environment is made up of two factors:
- Biotic factors: All living organisms. This includes plant cells, animal cells and unicellular organisms.
- Abiotic factors: All non-living parts of the environment. This includes temperature, soil, rocks, water, and air.
Making Observations: Have a look at the video clip below and make sure to identify a minimum of 5 abiotic and 5 biotic things seen.
Activity 2 - trophic levels and their interactions
Look at the following website and fill in the table below
Watch the video clip again this time take a screenshot of:
- 1 x Producer
- 1 x Herbivore Consumer
- 1 x Omnivore Consumer
- 1 x Carnivore Consumer
For each screenshot make sure to justify why you have classified it as a producer, herbivore, omnivore or carnivore
Activity 3 - [PBL]
You will be required to design a planet that does not exist and develop a 2-3 minute digital presentation. That explains:
• Name of planet
• Where planet is found
• A satellite image of planet
• A cross section of planet
• Biospheres and different ecosystems
• A list of abiotic and biotic factors
• One functional food chain and images to illustrate
Part 1: Preliminary Research
Part 2: Describe your ecosystem
- What are the abiotic conditions (e.g., temperature, seasons, climate, pH, humidity, soil, terrain)?
- What are the biotic factors (e.g., the producers; decomposers; primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers)?
- Sketch a food chain found in your ecosystem.
- Make a folder with images you could use for animal creation as inspiration. You will need these if you use photoshop
Photoshop workshops below on:
Part 3 - Presentation
You may choose to present using:
If you would like to use a different method of presentation consult with your teacher for approval.
Activity 4 - symbiotic interactions
Visible Thinking
SEE: Look at the images above and write down 6 things you notice.
THINK: What interactions can you notice? Are they positive, negative or do you believe they have no effect on the organisms interacting?
WONDER: Let your mind wonder and think about things that might not make sense to you. Come up with 5 questions you could investigate with regards to the images above.
Have a look at the web resource below and answer the following questions
- Identify the differences between mutualism, comensalism and parasitism.
2. Classify mutualism, commensalism and parasitism as either a beneficial or detrimental interaction.
3. How are symbiotic relationship and trophic levels interrelated.
Activity 5 - CONCEPT CHECKPOINT
If you were to write a headline for this topic or issue right now that captured the most important aspect that should be remembered, what would that headline be?