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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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:
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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