Learning Objectives
Edexcel A2
Introduction to Ecology
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Give examples of biotic and abiotic factors and explain how these affects the
distribution and abundance of species
Describe the concept of niche and explain how it accounts for distribution and
abundance of organisms in a habitat
Describe the affects of climate change on the distribution of species
Spec links: Unit 2.4 Biodiversity and natural resources
 Describe the concept of niche
Spec links: Unit 4.5 On the wild side
 Explain that the numbers and distribution of organisms in a habitat are controlled by biotic
and abiotic factors
 Explain how the concept of niche accounts for distribution and abundance of organisms in a
habitat
 Describe the effects of global warming (rising temperature, changing rainfall patterns and
seasonal cycles) on plants and animals (distribution of species, development and life cycles)
Sheltered Rocky Shore Investigation
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Describe how to assess distribution and abundance of species in a habitat
Use quadrats and transects
Spec links: Unit 4.5 On the wild side
 Describe how to carry out a study on the ecology of a habitat to produce valid and reliable
data (including the use of quadrats and transects to assess abundance and distribution of
organisms and the measurement of abiotic factors
Gastropod Microhabitat Investigation
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Use quadrats to produce valid and reliable data
Use an appropriate statistical tests (Chi squared)
Spec links: Unit 4.5 On the wild side
 Describe how to carry out a study on the ecology of a habitat to produce valid and reliable
data (including the use of quadrats and transects to assess abundance and distribution of
organisms and the measurement of abiotic factors
Spec links: Mathematical requirements
 appropriate statistical tests
Effects of Exposure Investigation
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Use of descriptive statistics (mean)
Appropriate graphical representation
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Use an appropriate statistical test (t-test)
Spec links: How Science Works
 Use of descriptive statistics (mean)
 Graphical representation
Spec links: Mathematical requirements
 appropriate statistical tests (t-test)
Saltmarsh Investigation
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Describe the concept of succession to a climax community.
Explain the term biodiversity
describe how biodiversity can be measured within a habitat using species richness
discuss examples of adaptation of organisms to their environment
Spec links: Unit 4.5 On the wild side
 Describe the concept of succession to a climax community.
Spec links: Unit 2.4 Biodiversity and natural resources
 Explain the terms biodiversity and endemism
 describe how biodiversity can be measured within a habitat using species richness
 discuss examples of adaptation of organisms to their environment
Quadrat Comparison
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use an appropriate statistical test (Spearman’s Rank)
Spec links: Mathematical requirements
 appropriate statistical test
 Spearman’s Rank
Energy Flow Investigation (Freshwater/Rocky Shore)
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Explain the relationship between gross primary productivity, net primary
productivity and plant respiration
Calculate the efficiency of energy transfers between trophic levels.
Spec links: Unit 4.5 On the wild side
 Carry out calculations of net primary productivity and explain the relationship between gross
primary productivity, net primary productivity and plant respiration
 Calculate the efficiency of energy transfers between trophic levels.