SNC1P: Science, Grade 9, Applied
Unit 1: Biology - Sustainable Ecosystems and Human Activity
Activity 1: A Place to Live!
Overview | Expectations | Content | Assignment
Overview
In this activity you will first review the terminology of ecology that you developed in
previous science courses. Next you will apply your knowledge to compare aquatic and
terrestrial ecosystems to discover the similarities and differences between these two
systems. Finally, you will reflect on how these two ecosystems work together to ensure
the sustainability of a larger ecosystem.
Overview | Expectations | Content | Assignment
SNC1P: Science, Grade 9, Applied
Unit 1: Biology- Sustainable Ecosystems and Human Activity
Activity 1: A Place to Live!
Overview | Expectations | Content | Assignment
Expectations
Overall Expectations:
BIV.02 investigate some factors related to human activity that affect terrestrial and/or
aquatic ecosystems, and describe the consequences that these factors have for the
sustainability of these ecosystems;
BIV.03 demonstrate an understanding of characteristics of terrestrial and aquatic
ecosystems, the interdependence within and between ecosystems, and the impact
humans have on the sustainability of these ecosystems.
Specific Expectations:
BI2.01 use appropriate terminology related to sustainable ecosystems and human
activity, including, but not limited to: biodiversity, biotic, equilibrium, horticulture, organic,
sustainability, and watershed;
BI2.02 investigate the characteristics of biotic and abiotic components of a terrestrial
and/or aquatic ecosystem, and describe the importance of these components in a
sustainable ecosystem;
BI3.01 identify similarities and differences between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,
and describe these similarities and differences using diagrams;
BI3.02 describe the interdependence of the components within a terrestrial and an
aquatic ecosystem, and explain how the components of both systems work together to
ensure the sustainability of a larger ecosystem.
SNC1P: Science, Grade 9, Applied
Unit 1: Biology- Sustainable Ecosystems and Human Activity
Activity 1: A Place to Live!
Overview | Expectations| Content | Assignment
Content
Introduction to Ecology
Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with one another and with their
environment. The environment in which an organism interacts is affected by biotic and
abiotic factors.
Biotic factors consist of the living or once living
parts of an ecosystem such as plants, animals,
predators, and prey.
Abiotic factors consist of the non-living influences
on organisms such as sunlight, temperature, and
precipitation.
An example
of a forest ecosystem
An ecosystem is made up of many populations of species that interact with each other
and the non-living components of the environment.
View this Biological Organization flow chart displaying the
relationship of ecosystems to the rest of the Earth. Population
image credit to Manitoba Conservation.
There are many words related to this activity that you need to
know. The glossary contains terms that you should have learned
in previous science courses. Read over the glossary terms for
this activity and then try the practice quiz below.
Match the following terms with their description. There are extra
statements in the description column. Check your answers by
clicking on the answer icon below.
Term
Description
___1. autotroph
A.
interlocking
food chains
___2. decomposer
B.
organisms
that eat
both plants
and animals
___3. trophic level
C. the
different
populations
in an
ecosystem
___4. community
D.
organisms
that only
consume
plants
___5. food chain
E. the
feeding
level of an
organism
___6. food web
F. an
example of
an
ecosystem
___7. herbivore
G. the living
parts of the
Earth
___8. forest
H.
organisms
of the same
species
___9. secondary consumer
I. organisms
that make
their own
food
___10. biosphere
J. breaks
down dead
animals and
plants
K. a stepby-step
sequence of
who eats
whom
L.
organisms
that eat
primary
consumers
Answer
Ecosystems
An ecosystem is made up of living and non-living parts interacting in an environment.
Two types of ecosystems are aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. The biotic and abiotic
factors in these ecosystems have both similarities and differences.
An example of an aquatic ecosystem
An example of a terrestrial ecosystem
Sustainability
Understanding how different ecosystems interact is important in knowing how to help
our environment in the future. Can these ecosystems continue to survive on our Earth?
Yes, ecosystems are sustainable and can continue to exist each year because they
recycle many of their materials. Sustainability means that the needs of the current
generation are met without compromising the needs of future generations. Many human
activities are not considered sustainable because our growth consumes non-renewable
resources and produces pollution. Using our fresh water wisely will allow future
generations an abundant supply of water. Can you think of other resources that are
threatened by human activities?
Did you know?
That approximately 3 per cent of the Earth's water is fresh and
only about a third of that water is available for humans to
consume?
Resources
1. David Suzuki Foundation
This is a disclaimer. External Resources will open in a new window. Not responsible for external content.
Unless otherwise indicated, all images in this Activity are from the public domain or are © clipart.com or
Microsoft clipart and are used with permission.
SNC1P: Science, Grade 9, Applied
Unit 1: Biology- Sustainable Ecosystems and Human Activity
Activity 1: A Place to Live!
Overview | Expectations | Content | Assignment
Assignment
Assignment 1
Comparing Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems
Complete the following assignment and submit your work to your teacher.
Aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems will vary in size. For example, an aquatic ecosystem
could be as small as a pond or as large as a part of the ocean where communities of
organisms are interacting with their environment.
Find an aquatic ecosystem and terrestrial ecosystem to observe in the area in which
you live. Think about the biotic and abiotic components of each of the ecosystems. Also
think about how these two ecosystems are similar and different to each other and how
they work together. You may use the images below as a reference.
Aquatic
ecosystem
Terrestrial
ecosystem
Once you have located a terrestrial ecosystem and an aquatic ecosystem, complete the
Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems worksheet ensuring that you write your answers
using your own words.
Assignment 2
Journal
A Comparison
Observe the aquatic
and terrestrial
ecosystems in this
photograph. Discuss
how these two
ecosystems work
together to ensure the
sustainability of this
area. Remember that
the term ‘sustainability'
was discussed in the
content section. Write
your answer to this
question in your journal.
This is a disclaimer. External Resources will open in a new window. Not responsible for external content.
Unless otherwise indicated, all images in this Activity are from the public domain or are © clipart.com or
Microsoft clipart and are used with permission.
Overview | Expectations | Content | Assignment