Organisms are linked to one another and to their environment by the flow of energy and cycling of matter. Acquisition of resources and population growth can accelerate the rates of natural change in a system.
Interdependence of Life
Biology
Essential Question: What happens to organisms and ecosystems when organisms interact with the living
and nonliving components of the environment to obtain matter and energy?
How might global climate change affect humans?
As global average temperature rises, melting of ice
sheets and glaciers, combined with the thermal
expansion of warming seawater, will cause sea levels
to rise, flooding islands and low lying lands,
contaminating coastal fresh water sources, and
increasing damage to homes and businesses from
storm surges. Changing precipitation patterns and
temperature conditions are likely to alter the
distribution and availability of freshwater resources,
reducing access to water for many people. Incidents
of extreme weather are projected to increase as a
result of ocean temperature
changes. Rain and snow may become less frequent
but more intense in many areas; droughts and forest
fires may become more frequent where precipitation
decreases. As carbon dioxide levels in the
atmosphere rise, ocean water becomes more acidic,
threatening the survival of shell-building marine
species and the food webs of which they are a part.
Ecosystems will be disturbed by climate change;
animals, plants, bacteria, and viruses are likely to
migrate to new areas or become extinct. Droughtreduced crop yields, degraded air and water quality,
and increased hazards in coastal and low-lying areas
will contribute to increasingly unhealthy conditions
for many populations Geological records of past
climates show that climate shifts can occur quite
rapidly when certain positive-feedback “tipping
points” are reached.
AP Bio. Enduring Understanding 4C
Naturally occurring diversity among and between components within
biological systems affects interactions with the environment.
4.C.4 The diversity of species within an ecosystem may influence the
stability of the ecosystem.
(Learning objective 4.27 The student is able to make scientific claims
and predictions about how species diversity within an ecosystem
influences ecosystem stability.)
Bio.2.1.3 Explain various ways organisms
interact with each other (including
predation, competition, parasitism,
mutualism) and with their environments
resulting in stability within ecosystems.
Bio.2.2.1 Infer how human activities
(including population growth, pollution,
global warming, burning of fossil fuels,
habitat destruction and introduction of
nonnative species) may impact the
environment. 5D/H2*,3C/H4
Bio.2.2.2 Explain how the use, protection and
conservation of natural resources by humans
impact the environment from one generation to
the next. 5D/H3
Bio.2.1.4 Explain why ecosystems can be
relatively stable over hundreds or thousands of
years, even though populations may fluctuate
(emphasizing availability of food, availability of
shelter, number of predators and disease).
5D/H1*
How do organisms interact with the living and nonliving environments to obtain matter and energy? LS2.A pg.152
Ecosystems have carrying capacities, which are limits to the numbers of organisms and populations they can support.
These limits result from such factors as the availability of living and nonliving resources and from such challenges as
predation, competition, and disease. Organisms would have the capacity to produce populations of great size were it
not for the fact that environments and resources are finite. This fundamental tension affects the abundance (number of
individuals) of species in any given ecosystem.
How do matter and energy move through an ecosystem?LS2.B pg. 154
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration (including anaerobic processes) provide most of the energy for life processes.
Plants or algae form the lowest level of the food web. At each link upward in a food web, only a small fraction of the
matter consumed at the lower level is transferred
upward, to produce growth and release energy in cellular respiration at the higher level. Given this inefficiency, there
are generally fewer organisms at higher levels of a food web, and there is a limit to the number of organisms that an
ecosystem can sustain.
The chemical elements that make up the molecules of organisms pass through food webs and into and out of the
atmosphere and soil and are combined and recombined in different ways. At each link in an ecosystem, matter and
energy are conserved; some matter reacts to release energy for life functions, some matter is stored in newly made
structures, and much is discarded. Competition among species is ultimately competition for the matter and energy
needed for life.
Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are important components of the carbon cycle, in which carbon is exchanged
between the biosphere, atmosphere, oceans, and geosphere through chemical, physical, geological, and biological
processes.
What happens to ecosystems when the environment changes?LS2.C pp. 155-156
A complex set of interactions within an ecosystem can keep its numbers and types of organisms relatively constant
over long periods of time under stable conditions. If a modest biological or physical disturbance to an ecosystem
occurs, it may return to its more or less original status (i.e., the ecosystem is resilient), as opposed to becoming a very
different ecosystem. Extreme fluctuations in conditions or the size of any population, however, can challenge the
functioning of ecosystems in terms of resources and habitat availability. Moreover, anthropogenic changes (induced by
human activity) in the environment—including habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species,
overexploitation, and climate change—can disrupt an ecosystem and threaten the survival of some species.
How do ecosystems change?
A complex set of interactions within an ecosystem can keep its numbers and types of organisms relatively constant
over long periods of time under stable conditions. If a modest biological or physical disturbance to an ecosystem
occurs, it may return to its more or less original status (i.e., the ecosystem is resilient), as opposed to becoming a very
different ecosystem. Extreme fluctuations in conditions or the size of any population, however, can challenge the
functioning of ecosystems in terms of resources and habitat availability. Moreover, anthropogenic changes (induced by
human activity) in the environment—including habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species,
overexploitation, and climate change—can disrupt an ecosystem and threaten the survival of some species.
How does life affect Earth’s climate?
Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are controlled by biogeochemical cycles that continually move these gases among
the ocean, land, life, and atmosphere reservoirs. Life is a major driver of the global carbon cycle and influences global
climate by modifying the chemical makeup of the atmosphere. The abundance of carbon in the atmosphere is reduced
through seafloor accumulation of marine sediments and accumulation of plant biomass and is increased through
processes like deforestation and the burning of fossil fuels.
What can be done to reduce global climate change and its negative impacts?
Measurements of greenhouse gas emissions and other factors that drive climate change are used in climate models to
make predictions about climate change. These models aid in decision-making for individuals, institutions,
communities, and governments.
Organisms are linked to one another and to their environment by the flow of energy and cycling of matter. Acquisition of resources and population growth can accelerate the rates of natural change in a system.
Interdependence of Life
6-8
8.L.3.2 Summarize the relationships among
producers, consumers, and decomposers
including the positive and negative consequences
of such interactions including: coexistence and
cooperation, competition (predator/prey),
parasitism, and mutualism.5E/M1, 5D/M2,4
Grades 6 – 8
To Biology
8.L.4.2 Explain the relationship
between genetic variation and an
organism’s ability to adapt to its
environment. 5F/M2,4
8.L.3.1 Explain how factors such as
food, water, shelter, and space affect
populations in an ecosystem.
5D/M1a,3
7.L.2.3 Explain the impact of the environment
and lifestyle choices on biological inheritance
(to include common genetic diseases) and
survival. 5F/M2a,b
8.E.1.4 Conclude that the good health of
humans requires: monitoring of the
hydrosphere, water quality standards,
methods of water, treatment, maintaining
safe water quality, stewardship and human
impact. 6E/M5, 4C/M7
7.E.1.6 Conclude that the good health of
humans require: monitoring the atmosphere,
maintaining air quality and stewardship.
6E/M5, 4C/M7
6.E.2.4 Conclude that the good health of
humans requires: monitoring the
lithosphere, maintaining soil quality and
stewardship. 6E/M5, 4C/M7
Stewardship
6.L.2.3 Summarize how the abiotic factors (such
as temperature, water, sunlight, and soil quality)
of biomes (freshwater, marine, forest, grassland,
desert, Tundra) affect the ability of organisms to
grow, survive and/or create their own food
through photosynthesis. 5D/M1b,5F/M5
How can humans reduce climate change and minimize its
negative effects?
Humans may be able to mitigate climate change or lessen its
severity by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations through
processes that move carbon out of the atmosphere or reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. Actions can be taken by
individuals, institutions, communities, and governments that
influence climate. Reducing human vulnerability depends on
understanding climate science and using that knowledge in
decisions and activities of human society.
How do organisms interact with their environment and what are the effects of these interactions? LS2.A pg.152
Organisms and populations of organisms are dependent on their environmental interactions both with other living
things and with nonliving factors. Growth of organisms and population increases are limited by access to resources.
In any ecosystem, organisms and populations with similar requirements for food, water, oxygen, or other resources
may compete with each other for limited resources, access to which consequently constrains their growth and
reproduction. Similarly, predatory interactions may reduce the number of organisms or eliminate whole populations
of organisms. Mutually beneficial interactions, in contrast, may become so interdependent that each organism
requires the other for survival. Although the species involved in these competitive, predatory, and mutually beneficial
interactions vary across ecosystems, the patterns of interactions of organisms with their environments, both living and
nonliving, are shared.
How do matter and energy cycle through an ecosystem? LS2.B pg.153
Food webs are models that demonstrate how matter and energy is transferred between producers (generally plants and
other organisms that engage in photosynthesis), consumers, and decomposers as the three groups interact—primarily
for food—within an ecosystem. Transfers of matter into and out of the physical environment occur at every level—for
example, when molecules from food react with oxygen captured from the environment, the carbon
dioxide and water thus produced are transferred back to the environment, and ultimately so are waste products, such
as fecal material. Decomposers recycle nutrients from dead plant or animal matter back to the soil in terrestrial
environments or to the water in aquatic environments. The atoms that make up the organisms in an ecosystem are
cycled repeatedly between the living and nonliving parts of the ecosystem.
What happens when components of ecosystems change?LS2.C pg. 155
Ecosystems are dynamic in nature; the number and types of organisms and populations of organisms in ecosystems
have continuous fluctuations over time. Disruptions to the physical (abiotic) or biological (biotic) components of an
ecosystem may impact other components of an ecosystem and lead to shifts in all of its populations. Biodiversity
describes the variety of species found in Earth’s terrestrial and oceanic ecosystems. The completeness or integrity of
an ecosystem’s biodiversity is often used as a measure of its health.
How do human activities alter Earth?
Most actions that change the Earth's environments have both costs and benefits. Humans affect the quality,
availability, and distribution of Earth’s water through the modification of streams, lakes, and groundwater. Pollution
from sewage runoff, agricultural practices, and industrial processes can reduce water quality. Use of water for
industry and agriculture may reduce drinking water availability. Large areas of land, including delicate ecosystems
such as wetlands, are being transformed by human agriculture and land development. Human activities cause land
erosion that exceeds all natural processes. These activities include plowing, urban construction, removal of
vegetation, surface mining, and stream diversions, and increased rain acidity. Extraction of mineral resources and
fossil fuels changes landscapes and often has significant side-effects. Burning of fossil fuels has changed the fraction
of carbon-dioxide in the atmosphere significantly in the past 100 years. Human activities have significantly altered
the biosphere, destroying many natural habitats and causing a huge decline in biodiversity.
How do human activities alter Earth’s climate?
Earth’s average temperature is now warmer than it has been for at least the past 1,000 years. Much of the observed
increase in global average temperatures in the past 100 years is likely due to human activities. Humans alter global
climate patterns by burning fossil fuels, releasing chemicals into the atmosphere, reducing forest cover, and by the
rapid expansion of farming, development, and industrial activities. Global climate change is causing changes in many
biological systems, including a decrease in biodiversity and a diminishing of the capacity of some environments to
support life. Sea levels are rising due to both glacial melt and ocean water expansion due to heating. As global
temperatures continue to increase, sea levels will rise, causing flooding of coastline areas. Global climate change will
have significant regional variations, viewed positively in some regions and negatively in others.
Organisms are linked to one another and to their environment by the flow of energy and cycling of matter. Acquisition of resources and population growth can accelerate the rates of natural change in a system.
Interdependence of Life
3-5
Grades 3 – 5
To 6.L.2.3
5.L.2.3 Infer the effects that may result from the
interconnected relationship of plants and animals
to their ecosystem.5D/E3
5.L.2.2 Classify the organisms within an ecosystem
according to the function they serve: producers,
consumers, or decomposers (biotic factors).
5D/E2,3a,5
To 6.E.2.4
4.L.1.3 Explain how humans can adapt their
behavior to live in changing habitats (e.g.,
recycling wastes, establishing rain gardens,
planting native species to prevent flooding
and erosion 5D/E3a).
4.L.1.1 Give examples of changes in an
organism’s environment that are beneficial
to it and some that are harmful. 5D/E4
3.L.2.2 Explain how environmental
conditions determine how well plants survive
and grow. 5D/E1
3.L.2.1 Remember the function of the following plant
structures as it relates to the survival of plants in
their environment:(Roots – absorb nutrients; Stems
– provide support; Leaves – synthesize food; Flowers
– attract pollinators and produce seeds for
reproduction. (5D/E3b)
3.L.2.4 Explain how the basic properties (texture
and capacity to hold water) and components
(sand, clay and humus) of soil determine the
ability of soil to support the growth and survival
of many plants. 5D/E1
How are plants and animals interconnected with their environments? LS.2A pp.
151-152
The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are
related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals
eat the animals that eat plants. Either way, they are “consumers.” Some organisms,
such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts
and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually
restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil for plants to use. Organisms can
survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy
ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet
their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage
the balance of an ecosystem.
How do matter and energy move through an ecosystem? LS.2 B pg. 153
Matter cycles between the air and soil and among plants, animals, and microbes as
these organisms live and die. Organisms obtain gases, water, and minerals from the
environment and release waste matter (gas, liquid, or solid) back into the
environment.
What happens to plants and animals when environments change? LS.2 C pg. 155
When the environment changes in ways that affect a place’s physical
characteristics, temperature, or availability of resources, some organisms survive
and reproduce, others move to new locations, yet others move into the
transformed environment, and some die.
How do human activities pollute Earth and how might they change their
activities to reduce this pollution? Human activities [everyday life; agriculture;
industry] can cause pollution of the land, ocean, streams, air and even outer space.
Modest changes in individual and societal activities can significantly reduce
pollution.
What will happen to life on Earth if temperatures continue to rise?
Earth’s global mean temperature has risen significantly over the past 100 years. If
this continues, the lives of humans and other organisms will be impacted in many
different ways, both positive and negative.
Organisms are linked to one another and to their environment by the flow of energy and cycling of matter. Acquisition of resources and population growth can accelerate the rates of natural change in a system.
Interdependence of Life
K-2
Grades K – 2
To 3.L.2.2/3.L.2.4
2.E.1.1 Summarize how energy from the
sun serves as a source of light that warms
the land, air and water. 4E/P1
To 3.L.2.1
1.L.2.2 Summarize the basic needs of
a variety of different animals
(including air, water, and food) for
energy and growth. 5C/P2
1.L.1.1 Recognize that plants and animals
need air, water, light (plants only), space,
food and shelter and that these may be
found in their environment.5D/P1
1.L.1.2 Give examples of how the needs of
different plants and animals can be met by
their environments in North Carolina or
different places throughout the world.5D/P2
K.E.1.1 Infer that change is something that
happens to many things in the environment
based on observations using one or more of
their senses. 4C/P2
Interactions among
Organisms
1.L.1.3 Summarize ways that humans protect
their environment and/or improve conditions
for the growth of the plants and animals that
live there. (e.g., reuse or recycle products to
avoid littering.)
Dynamic Nature of
Ecosystems
K.L.1.2 Compare characteristics of living and
nonliving things in terms of their: Structure.
Growth. Changes. Movement. Basic needs.
5C/P2
Interdependence of Organisms &
their Environment
Human Impact
Why do plants and animals live where they do? LS2.A pg. 151
Animals depend on their surroundings to get what they need, including
food, water, shelter, and a favorable temperature. Animals depend on
plants or other animals for food. They use their senses to find food and
water, and they use their body parts to gather, catch, eat, and chew the
food. Plants depend on air, water, minerals (in the soil), and light to
grow. Animals can move around, but plants cannot, and they often
depend on animals for pollination or to move their seeds around.
Different plants survive better in different settings because they have
varied needs for water, minerals, and sunlight.
Where do organisms get what they need to grow and survive? pg. 153
Organisms obtain the materials they need to grow and survive from the
environment. Many of these materials come from organisms and are
used again by other organisms.
How do environments change?
Environments continuously change and change can occur slowly or
rapidly. Things that people do to live comfortable can affect the world
around them. Plants and animals (including humans) depend on the
land, water, and air to live and grow. They in turn can change their
environment (e.g., the shape of land, the flow of water).
What happens to ecosystems when the environment changes?LS2.C
pg. 155 The places where plants and animals live often change,
sometimes slowly and sometimes rapidly. When animals and plants get
too hot or too cold, they may die. If they cannot find enough food,
water, or air, they may die.
How can humans protect Earth’s resources and environments?
There are many things that people can do to help
protect Earth’s resources and environments, such as reducing the
amount of materials they use, reusing materials when possible, and
recycling materials.