Biodiversity and the Distribution of Life
You should already know:
 Animal and plant species depend on each other, and the removal of a species will impact upon other species in the ecosystem.
 An ecosystem is composed of all the organisms living in a particular area and the non-living components with which the living organisms interact.
 Habitats are the specific areas in which organisms are adapted to live.
 Biodiversity is the variation that exists within a species. It also describes the variations between different species.
Learning Intention
1.
Give some examples of biomes on earth
2.
Describe characteristics that allow biomes to be identified
3.
Explain factors that influence the distribution of biomes on earth
4.
State the components of an ecosystem
5.
Describe the relationship between nonliving components of the ecosystem and the organisms with which they interact
6.
Explain what is meant by the term ‘niche’
7.
Name biotic factors that affect biodiversity
8.
Explain the effect of biotic factors on biodiversity
9.
Name abiotic factors that affect biodiversity
10.
Explain the effect of abiotic factors on biodiversity
11.
Name human activities that have had an impact on biodiversity
12.
Describe how human activities have impacted biodiversity
Date Traffic light

Energy in Ecosystems
You should already know:
 Nitrogen is essential for animals and plants to make proteins.
 The nitrogen cycle returns nutrients to the ecosystem.
 Microorganisms are responsible for returning the nutrients to the ecosystem.
Learning Intention
1.
Use the correct terminology to describe the role of organisms in food chains and food webs
2.
State ways that energy can be lost as it passes along food chains and food webs
3.
Describe what is represented by pyramids of numbers, biomass and energy
4.
Explain why pyramids of numbers and biomass may be irregular in shape
5.
State the need for nutrient recycling
6.
Explain why nitrogen is needed by organisms
7.
Describe the processes involved in the nitrogen cycle
8.
Explain the role of micro organisms in the nitrogen cycle
9.
State why competition exists in ecosystems
10.
Describe interspecific competition and explain the consequences to organisms
11.
Describe intraspecific competition and explain the consequences to organisms
Date Traffic light

Sampling Techniques and Measurement of Abiotic and Biotic Factors
You should already know:
1.
 How to use sampling techniques such as quadrats and transects to sample ecosystems.
 How to use branching keys to identify organisms.
Learning Intention
Describe methods used to make sampling techniques representative
2.
Describe methods used to make sampling techniques reliable
3.
Explain the need to sample habitats
4.
Describe sampling techniques for plants and animals
5.
Identify limitations and sources of error that might accompany the use of sampling techniques
6.
Explain methods that can be used to limit the sources of error
7.
Describe methods to sample abiotic factors in a habitat
8.
Identify limitations and sources of error that might arise when sampling abiotic factors
9.
Explain methods that can be used to limit the sources of error
10.
State why keys are used to identify organisms
11.
Use and construct paired statement keys to identify organisms
Date Traffic light

Adaptation, Natural Selection and the Evolution of Species
You should already know:
 Plants and animals show adaptations that allow them to reproduce and survive in their environment.
 Adaptations can be structural, physiological and behavioural.
 DNA influences phenotypes as it codes for proteins.
 Portions of DNA are called genes, and genes code for the production of proteins.
 During cell replication, DNA is copied to ensure that each new daughter cell receives an identical copy.
 Genetic counselling is offered to prospective parents when potential inherited disease is suspected.
Learning Intention
1.
Name environmental factors that can increase the rate of mutation
2.
Describe what is meant by the term
‘mutation’
3.
Explain the difference between mutations that are neutral, advantageous or disadvantageous
4.
State what is meant by an adaptation
5.
Describe adaptations of plants and mammals to living in deserts
6.
Explain why organisms need adaptations to live in certain ecological niches
7.
Describe what is meant by the term ‘natural selection’
8.
Explain the processes involved in natural selection
9.
Give examples of natural selection in action
10.
Describe what is meant by the term ‘species’
11.
Describe the processes involved in the formation of a new species - speciation
12.
Describe examples of where speciation in action can be observed
Date Traffic light

Human Impact on the Environment
You should already know:
 Nitrogen in the form of nitrates is needed for plant growth.
 Fertilisers supply nutrients to the soil to help plants grow healthily.
 Fertilisers can be washed into freshwater can increase algal blooms.
Learning Intention
1.
Describe the effect of increasing population on the need to increase food yield
2.
Describe farming techniques used to maximise food yield for the increasing population
3.
Explain why plants need fertilisers
4.
State what an algal bloom is and explain why these happen
5.
Explain how algal blooms lead to a reduction in the oxygen level of water
6.
Explain the importance of nitrates and magnesium for plant growth
7.
Explain what pesticides are and why they are used in farming
8.
Explain what is meant by bioaccumulation and how it occurs
9.
Give some examples of indicator species
10.
Explain what indicator species tell us about environmental quality and pollution levels
11.
Name organisms that have been introduced to control pests
12.
Describe the use of biological control and
GM crops as alternatives to the use of fertilisers and pesticides
Date Traffic light