Canton Keystone Biology Curriculum Map
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Big Ideas
(Understand)
Bio.A.1. Basic
Biological Principles
1.
Explain the
characteristics common
to all organisms.

Describe the
characteristics of life
shared by all
prokaryotic and
eukaryotic
organisms
2.
Describe the
relationships between
structure &function at
biological levels of
organization

Compare cellular
structures and their
functions in
prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells

Describe and
interpret
relationships
% of
Course
Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)
4%
6 Days
All organisms
on earth share
common
characteristics
of life.
Structure is
related to
function at all
biological
levels of
organization.

Ch #1
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Common characteristics of life:
o composed of one or more units
called cells
o obtain and use matter and energy
to carry out their life processes
o reproduce and pass their genetic
material on to the next
generation
o seek to maintain a biological
balance between their internal
and external environments
o grow, develop and eventually die
o detect and respond to stimuli
o adapt and evolve at the
population level

Similarities and differences in structure
between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells
Relationship between form and function
Common features/functions of cell
structures in both prokaryotic and
eukaryotic cells
Levels of biological organization from
organelle to multicellular organism
o Organelle
o Cell
o Tissue
o Organ
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List and describe the
common characteristics
exhibited by all living and
once living things – both
prokaryotic and eukaryotic.
Compare cellular structures
and their functions in
prokaryotic and eukaryotic
cells.
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prokaryotic cell
eukaryotic cell
stimuli
adapt
evolve
population
Describe and interpret
relationships between
structure and function at
the organelle, cell, tissue,
organ, organ system and
multicellular organism
level of organization.
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organelle
cell
tissue
organ
organ System
multicellular
organism
1
between structure
and function at
various levels of
biological
organization (i.e.
organelles, cells,
tissues, organs,
organ systems and
multicellular
organisms)
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content

Big Ideas
(Understand)
Bio.A.2 The Chemical
Basis of Life
Describe how the unique
properties of water
support life on Earth
 Describe the unique
properties of water
and how these
properties support
life on Earth (e.g.
freezing point, high
specific heat,
cohesion).
Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)
15%
(Biochemistry)
1.
% of
Course
o Organ System
o Multicellular Organism
Relationship between form and function
23 Days
Life is a product
of the
organization and
interaction of
matter.
Ch. #2
Ch. #3
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Chemical structure of water
Polarity of Water/Hydrogen Bonding
o Adhesion and Cohesion
 Surface Tension
 Capillary action
o High Specific Heat
o Universal Solvent
o Density anomaly
Examples of how the properties of water
support life
o Temperature moderation
o Solid water less dense than
liquid water
o Water cycle
o Metabolism requires an
aqueous environment
o Transpiration
o Buffering properties of
water
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Describe the unique
properties of water.
Explain how the unique
properties of water support
life on earth.
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polarity
hydrogen bond
adhesion
cohesion
surface tension
capillary action
high specific
heat
universal solvent
density anomaly
2
2.
3.
Describe and interpret
relationships between
structure and function at
various levels of
biochemical
organization (i.e., atoms,
molecules and
macromolecules.
 Explain how carbon
is uniquely suited to
form biological
macromolecules
 Describe how
biological
macromolecultes
form from
monomers
 Compare the
structure and
function of
carbohydrates,
lipids, proteins and
nucleic acids in
organisms
Explain how enzymes
regulate biochemical
reactions within a cell.
 Describe the role of
an enzyme as a
catalyst in regulating
a specific
biochemical
reaction.
 Explain how factors
such as pH,
temperature and
concenstration levels
can affect enzyme
function
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Levels of biochemical organization
(atoms, molecules, macromolecules)
Chemical properties of Carbon atoms
o Form 4 covalent bonds
Structural shapes of carbon molecules
(straight chains, branched chains, rings)
Monomers vs. Polymers
Monomer that forms carbohydrates,
proteins and nucleic acids
(monosaccharide, amino acid, nucleotide)
o Idea of no common
monomer for lipids
Dehydration Synthesis (Condensation)
and Hydrolysis reactions
Basic structure of the four major classes
of biological macromolecules
o Common Chemical
Components
o Examples of monomers
from each class
o Examples of polymers
constructed of the
monomers
Importance and use of each
macromolecule for biological functions
Enzymes as proteins
Enzyme and substrate
specificity/interactions
o Lock and key model
Effect of enzymes on activation energy
and reaction rates
Reusable nature of enzymes
Examples of enzyme controlled reactions
in living things
Enzyme activity as a function of specific
conditions
Effects of environmental factors (pH,
temperature, concentration) on enzyme
function
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Describe the structure of a
carbon atom.
Explain how carbon atoms
bond to form biological
macromolecules.
Describe how biological
macromolecules form from
monomers.
Compare the structure and
function of carbohydrates,
lipids, proteins, and nucleic
acids in organisms.
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macromolecule
monomer
polymer
deydration
synthesis
(condensation)
hydrolysis
monosaccharide
amino acid
nucleotide
carbohydrates
lipids
proteins
nucleic acids
Explain how enzymes act
as catalysts to regulate
biochemical reactions.
Explain how
environmental factors
affect the function and
reaction rate of the
enzyme.
Interpret graphs to analyze
enzyme catalyzed
reactions.
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enzyme
catalyst
substrate
activation energy
active site
reaction rates
pH
concentration
3
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Big Ideas
(Understand)
% of
Course
Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)
Bio.A.3. Bioenergetics
10%
1.
2.
Identify and describe the
cell structures involved
in processing energy.
 Describe the
fundamental roles of
plastids (e.g.
chloroplasts) and
mitochondria in
energy
transformations.
Organisms
obtain and use
energy to carry
out their life
processes.
15 Days

Ch. #6
Ch. #7
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Identify and describe
how organisms obtain
and transform energy for
their life processes

Compare the basic
transformation of
energy during
photosynthesis and
cellular respiration.

Describe the role of
ATP in biochemical
reactions.
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Double membrane structure of
mitochondria
Double membrane structure of
chloroplasts
Roles of mitochondria and chloroplasts in
energy transformations

catabolic vs. anabolic chemical reactions
Overall (summary) chemical equations
for photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Basic energy transformations during
photosynthesis and cellular respiration
Relationship between photosynthesis and
cellular respiration
Molecular structure of ATP
ATP-ADP Cycle
Importance of ATP as the energy
currency (fuel) for cell processes
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Describe the structure of
mitochondria and
chloroplasts in eukaryotic
cells.
Describe the fundamental
roles of plastids (e.g.,
chloroplasts) and
mitochondria in energy
transformations.
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mitochondria
plastids
chloroplasts
photosynthesis
cellular
respiration
Compare the basic
transformations of energy
during photosynthesis and
cellular respiration.
Describe the structure of
ATP.
Describe the role of ATP
in biochemical reactions.

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metabolism
anabolic reaction
catabolic
reaction
chemical energy
adenosine
triphosphate
(ATP)
adenosine
diphosphate
(ADP)
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END OF
1st 9 wks
4
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Big Ideas
(Understand)
Bio.A.4. Homeostasis
and Transport
1.
Identify and describe the
cell structures involved
in transport of materials
into, out of, and
throughout the cell.
 Describe how the
structure of the
plasma membrane
allows it to function
as a regulatory
structure and/or
protective barrier for
the cell.
 Compare the
mechanisms that
transport materials
across the plasma
membrane – passive
transport, diffusion,
osmosis , facilitated
diffusion; Active
transport – pumps
endocytosis,
exocytosis.
 Describe how
membrane-bound
cellular organelles
facilitate the
transport of
materials with a cell
(golgi apparatus,
endoplasmic
reticulum).
Through a
variety of
mechanisms
organisms
maintain
homeostasis.
% of
Course
Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)
6%
9 Days

Ch #5
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*
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Chemical structure of the plasma
membrane (Phospholipid Bilayer)
Fluid mosaic model
Functions of the plasma membrane
Passive transport mechanisms
o Diffusion
o Osmosis
o Facilitated Diffusion
Active transport mechanisms
o Pumps
o Endocytosis
o Exocytosis
Endoplasmic Reticulum
o Rough ER
 Synthesis/transport of
proteins
o Smooth ER
 Synthesis/transport of lipids
 Synthesis/transport of
carbohydrates
Golgi Apparatus
Processes and packages for intra and
extra-cellular transport
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Describe how the structure
of the plasma membrane
allows it to function as a
regulatory structure and/or
protective barrier for a
cell.
Compare and contrast
active vs. passive transport
mechanisms.
Describe how membranebound cellular organelles
facilitate intracellular
transport of materials.
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phospholipids
bilayer
fluid mosaic
model
selectively
permeable
passive transport
diffusion
osmosis
facilitated
diffusion
active transport
pumps
endocytosis
exocytosis
homeostasis
intracellular
transport
endoplasmic
reticulum
Golgi apparatus
vesicles
5

2.
Explain the mechanisms
that permit organisms to
maintain biological
balance between their
internal and external
environments.
 Explain how
organisms maintain
homeostasis (e.g.
thermoregulation,
water regulation,
oxygen regulation).
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Big Ideas
(Understand)
Bio.B.1 Cell Growth
and Reproduction
1.
Describe the three stages
of the cell cycle
a. Interphase
b. Nuclear
Division
c. Cytokinesis
 Describe the events
that occur during the
cell cycle
 Compare the
processes and
outcomes of mitotic
and meiotic
divisions.
% of
Course
Examples of Mechanisms
o Thermoregulation
o Water regulation
o Oxygen regulation
o Chemical regulation
 pH/Buffers
 Hormone
 Electrolyte

Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s
Identify and explain
mechanisms organism use
to maintain homeostasis.
15 Days
Ch #8

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Stages of the cell cycle
o Interphase
 G1
 S
 G2
o Nuclear Division
 Mitosis
 Meiosis
o Cytokinesis
 Plant vs. Animal
Cell


Describe the events that
occur during the cell cycle.
Compare and contrast the
processes and outcomes of
mitotic and meiotic nuclear
divisions.
Describe processes that can
alter composition or
number of chromosomes
(chromosomal mutations).
buffers
electrolyte
thermoregulation
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)
10%
In nature new
cells arise from
the division of a
pre-existing
cell.
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cell cycle
interphase
mitosis
meiosis
cytoknesis
cell plate
cleavage furrows
prohase
metaphase
anaphase
telophase
haploid
diploid
chromosome
chromatid
homologous
chromosomes
6
2.
Explain how genetic
information is inherited.
 Describe how the
process of DNA
replication results in
the transmission
and/or conservation
of genetic
information.
 Explain the function
relationships
between DNA,
genes, alleles, and
chromosomes and
their roles in
inheritance.
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Ch #12.1
Phases of Mitosis
Phases of Meiosis
Importance of Mitosis and Meiosis
Outcomes of Mitosis and Meiosis
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Process of DNA Replication (preview)
Importance of chromosome composition
and number controlling phenotype
Chromosomal Mutations during Mitosis
and Meiosis

Big Ideas
(Understand)
Bio.B.2 Protein
Synthesis
1. Explain the process of
protein synthesis (i.e.
transcription, translation
and protein modification)
 Describe how the
processes of
transcription and
translation are
similar in all
organisms.
 Describe the role of
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% of
Course
& Ch #’s
15 Days

chromosomal
mutation
nondisjunction
duplication
translocation
deletion
insertion
inversion
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)

10%
DNA sequences
contain
information for
protein and
nucleic acid
synthesis.
tetrad
crossing over
spindle (fiber)
somatic cells
germ cells
gametes
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Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
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Ch #10
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Structure of DNA
o Components of a Nucleotide
o Base-pair rule (Chargaff’s
Rule)
Semi-conservative/DNA Replication
Process
Structure of eukaryotic chromosomes
Similarities and differences between
DNA and RNA
Types of RNA
Transcription uses DNA to make RNA

Describe how DNA
replication results in the
transmission and/or
conservation of the genetic
information.

Explain the structural
relationships between
DNA, genes, and
chromosomes.
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deoxyribonucleic
acid (DNA)
DNA Replication
double helix
nucleotide
deoxyribose
adenine
guanine
cytosine
thymine
Chargaff’s Rule
parent strand
complimentary
strand
7
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ribosomes,
endoplasmic
reticulum, Golgi
apparatus and the
nucleus in the
production of
specific types of
proteins.
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Translation uses RNA to make a protein
Location of transcription in eukaryotic
cells (nucleus)
Location of translation (ribosomes)
Role of ribosomes, endoplasmic
reticulum and Golgi apparatus in
assembling, transporting, packaging and
modifying different proteins


Explain the unified process
of protein synthesis.
Describe the role of
nucleus ribosomes, ER,
and Golgi apparatus in the
production and processing
or proteins.
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2. Explain how genetic
information is expressed.
 Describe how
genetic mutations
alter the DNA
sequence and may or
may not affect
phenotype (e.g.
slient, nonsense,
framsehift).
Ch #12
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Phenotype as a function of gene
expression (DNA to protein to phenotype)
Mutations may or may not affect
phenotype
Different types of gene mutations

Describe how genetic
mutations alter DNA
sequence and may or may
not affect phenotype.
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semi-conservative
model
genes
chromosomes
transcription
translation
ribonucleic acid
ribosomes
nucleus
amino acids
polypeptides
enzymes
proteins
triplet
codon
anticodon
endoplasmic
reticulum
Golgi apparatus
gene Mutation
insertion
deletion
frameshift
mutation
point mutation
silent
missense
nonsense
END OF
2nd 9
wks
8
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Big Ideas
(Understand)
% of
Course
Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)
Bio.B.2 Genetics
9%
3. Compare Mendelian and
non-Mendelian patterns
of inheritance
 Describe and/or
predict observed
patterns of
inheritance (i.e.
dominant, recessive,
co-dominance,
incomplete
dominance, sexlinked, polygenic
and multiple alleles).
 Describe processes
that can alter
composition or
number of
chromosomes (i.e.
crossing-over,
nondisjunction,
duplication,
translocation,
deletion insertion
and inversion).
Genes are
expressed in a
variety of
predictable
patterns of
inheritance.
14 Days


Ch #9
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Ch #12
Common Patterns of Inheritance
Tools for predicting patterns of
inheritance
o Punnett square
o Pedigree
o Mathematics of probability
Relationship between genotype and
phenotype
Chromosomal Mutations and their
impacts (Karyotype analysis)

Describe and/or predict
observed patterns of
inheritance.
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dominant
recessive
codominance
incomplete
dominance
sex-linked
polygenic
multiple alleles
genetics
Punnett square
pedigree
genotype
phenoytpe
probability
homozygous
heterozygous
independent
assortment
chromosomal
mutation
nondisjunction
duplication
translocation
deletion
insertion
inversion
9
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Big Ideas
(Understand)
Bio.B.2.
Biotechnologies
4. Apply scientific thinking,
processes tools and
technologies in the study
of genetics.
 Explain how
genetic
engineering has
impacted the
fileds of
medicine,
forensics, and
agriculture (e.g.
selective
breeding, gene
splicing,
cloning,
genetically
modified
organisms,
gene therapy).
% of
Course
Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)
6%
Genetic
engineering has
transformed and
continues to
transform the
fields of
medicine,
forensics, and
agriculture.
9 Days
Ch #12.2
Ch #13


Tools of genetic engineering
Examples of genetic engineering
o Genetically modified
organisms in medicine and
agriculture
o Use of biotechnology in
forensics, medicine, and
agriculture
o Cloning
o Selective Breeding
o Gene splicing
o Gene Therapy


Explain how genetic
engineering has impacted
the fields of medicine,
forensics, and agriculture.
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
genetic
engineering
genetically
modified
organisms
biotechnology
cloning
selective
breeding
gene splicing
gene therapy
10
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Big Ideas
(Understand)
Bio.B.3. Theory of
Evolution
1.
2.
Explain the mechanisms
of evolution
 Explain how natural
selection can impact
allele frequencies of a
population
 Describe the factors
that can contribute to
the development of
new species (e.g.
isolating mechanisms,
genetic drift, founder
effect, migration).
 Explain how genetic
mutations may result
in genotypic and
phenotypic variations
within a population.
Analyze the sources of
evidence for biological
evolution
 Interpret evidence
supporting the theory
of evolution (i.e.
fossil, anatomical,
physiological,
embryological,
biochemical & universal
genetic code).
% of
Course
Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s
10%
The theory of
evolution
describes the
results of many
natural
processes that
select for the
survival and
reproduction of
a population.
15 Days
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Ch #15
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Ch #16

Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)
Principles of Inheritance
Fundamental Principles of Natural
Selection
Types of Natural Selection
o Directional
o Stabilizing
o Diversifying/Disruptive
Factors that contribute to speciation
o Isolating mechanisms
o Genetic drift
o Founder effect
Migration
Genotype and Phenotype
Types of Genetic Mutations
Examples of variation in populations

Evidences of Evolution
o Fossil
o Anatomical
o Physiological
o Embryological
o Biochemical
o Universal Genetic Code
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
Explain how natural
selection can impact allele
frequencies of a
population.
Describe the factors that
can contribute to the
development of a new
species.
Explain how genetic
mutations may result in
genotypic and phenotypic
variations with in a
population.
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Interpret evidence
supporting the theory of
evolution.
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populations
natural selection
allele frequency
species
fitness
adaptation
variation
directional
selection
stabilizing
selection
diversifying/
disruptive
selection
speciation
isolating
mechanisms
genetic drift
founder effect
migration
genotype
phenotype
mutation
variation
evolution
fossil
fossil record
anatomical
physiological
embryological
biochemical
universal genetic
code
homologous
11
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3.
Apply scientific
thinking, processes, tools
and technologies in the
study of the theory of
evolution.
 Distinguish between
the scientific terms;
hypothesis, inference,
law, theory, principle,
fact and observation.
Ch #1

Scientific terms
o Hypothesis and Prediction
o Inference and Observation
o Principle
o Theory
o Law
o Fact and Opinion

Use scientific terms
properly in written and oral
form.
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structures
analogous
structures
vestigial
structures
convergent
evolution
divergent
evolution
hypothesis
prediction
inference
observation
principle
theory
law
fact
opinion
12
Anchor Descriptors &
Eligible Content
Big Ideas
(Understand)
% of
Course
Concepts
(Know)
Prior to
May 1st
& Ch #’s

Bio.B.4. Ecology
20%
1. Describe ecological
levels of organization in
the biosphere.
 Describe the levels of
ecological
organization (i.e.
organism, population,
community,
ecosystem, biome and
biosphere)
 Describe
characteristic biotic
and abiotic
components of
aquatic and terrestrial
ecosystems.
2. Describe interactions and
relationships in an
ecosystem.
 Describe how energy
flows through an
ecosystem (e.g. food
chains, webs, energy
pyramids).
 Describe biotic
interactions in an
ecosystem (e.g.
competition,
predation, symbiosis).
 Describe how matter
recycles through an
ecosystem (i.e. water
cycle, carbon cycle,
oxygen cycle and
Organisms
interact with
and are
dependent on
each other and
the nonliving
components in
their
environments.
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31 Days
END OF
3rd 9
wks 4
days into
unit
Ch #18
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Ch #19
Ch #20
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The levels of ecological organization
o Organism
o Population
o Community
o Ecosystem
o Biome
o Biosphere
Abiotic components of an ecosystem
Biotic components of an ecosystem
Characteristic abiotic and biotic
components of earth’s aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems.
The ultimate energy source is the sun.
o Other initial sources of energy
 Chemicals
 Heat
Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration
Structure and components of a food chain
or food web.
Implications of the 10% rule/law (energy
pyramids)
Habitat and niche (fundamental and
realized)
Symbiotic interactions within an
ecosystem
Symbiotic interactions within an
ecosystem
Biogeochemical cycles
o Water cycle
o Carbon cycle
Tier 3
Vocabulary
Competencies
(Do)

Describe and differentiate
between the levels of
ecological organization.
Describe characteristic
biotic and abiotic
components of terrestrial
and aquatic ecosystems.
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Describe how energy flows
through an ecosystem.
Describe biotic interactions
within an ecosystem.
Describe the niche of an
organism.
Describe how matter
recycles through an
ecosystem.
Describe how ecosystems
change in response to
natural and human
disturbances.
Describe the effects of
limiting factors on
population dynamics and
potential species
extinction.
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organism
population
community
ecosystem
biome
biosphere
biotic
abiotic
aquatic
ecosystem
terrestrial
ecosystem
energy
autotroph
heterotroph
trophic level
food chain
food web
producer
consumer
omnivore
decomposer
herbivore
carnivore
ecological
pyramid
10% rule/law
photosynthesis
chemosynthesis
competition
predation
13
nitrogen cycle).
 Describe how
ecosystems change in
response to natural
and human
disturbances (e.g.
climate changes,
introduction of
nonnative species,
pollution, fires).
 Describe the effects
of limiting factors on
population dynamics
and potential species
extinction.
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o Oxygen cycle
o Nitrogen cycle
Examples of Natural Disturbances
Affecting Ecosystems
o Ecological Succession
o Natural Disasters
Examples of Human Disturbances
Affecting Ecosystems
o Human overpopulation
o Climate changes
o Introduction of nonnative
species
o Pollution
o Fires
Effects of Human and Natural
Disturbances on Ecosystems
o Loss of biodiversity
o Loss of habitat
o Increased rate of Extinction
o Disruption of natural biological
cycles
Carrying Capacity
Limiting Factors
o Density Dependent
o Density Independent
Effects of limiting factors on population
dynamics
o Biotic Potential
o Environmental Resistance
o Increase/Decreased/
Stabilized Population
Growth
o Extinction
o Increased/decreased/
stabilized biodiversity
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symbiosis
parasitism
commensalism
mutualism
fundamental
niche
realized niche
water cycle
carbon cycle
oxygen cycle
nitrogen cycle
succession
extinction
evolution
biodiversity
nonnative
species
carrying capacity
limiting factors
density
dependent
density
independent
extinction
biotic potential
biodiversity
14