Unit 7: Ecology 8th Grade Science

What do you think is an ecosystem? What does it consist of? Bell Ringer 02/03/2015 Essential Question – How can change in one part of an ecosystem affect change in other parts of the ecosystem? Objectives – I can… Review the learning targets and vocabulary for Unit 7 Ecosystems Bell Ringer – Copy and answer the question (in blue) on your bell ringer sheet. What do you think is an ecosystem? What does it consist of?

Agenda for Today: Copy down learning targets Copy down unit vocabulary Complete science world article activity

Unit 7: Ecosystems Learning Targets I can describe an organism's role in an ecosystem I can describe food chains and energy pyramids I can explain the effects of change in an ecosystem: I can identify the factors that affect any ecosystem’s carrying capacity: Evaluate competing design solutions for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem services.

Unit 7: Ecosystems Vocabulary Organism, habitat, biotic, abiotic, species, Community, ecosystem, ecology, population Birth rate, death rate, immigration, emigration, population density limiting factor carrying capacity Biome Biodiversity Endangered Species 20. Threatened Species Habitat destruction Sustainability

Your Task Read the article Water Woes, in the January 12, 2015 Science World Magazine. Pages 20 – 22 Complete the Deadly Blooms worksheet. Complete questions 1- 8 on the backside of the worksheet.

Bell Ringer 02/04/2015 Essential Question – How can change in one part of an ecosystem affect change in other parts of the ecosystem? Objectives – I can… Complete a unit 7 Knowledge Check over ecosystems. Bell Ringer – Copy and answer the question (in blue) on your bell ringer sheet. What is the difference between abiotic and biotic factors?

Agenda for Today: Complete Unit 7 Knowledge Check. Peer Grade knowledge check Complete Unit 7 student reflection sheet Complete science world article worksheet.

Unit 7: Ecosystems Knowledge Check Take out a piece of notebook paper. Write your name, date, and class period on the upper right hand corner Write U7KC on the center of the top line Number your paper just like the example on the board. Write the letter of the answer to the question on your piece of paper.

Finished? Turn your answer sheet into the purple box Turn the test into the red box Pick up a science world magazine from the side counter. Take out your “Deadly Blooms” Worksheet and begin working on it at a level 0 while everyone else is completing their test.

Bell Ringer 02/05/2015 Essential Question – How can change in one part of an ecosystem affect change in other parts of the ecosystem? Objectives – I can… Describe an organism’s role in an ecosystem. Identify the factors that affect any ecosystem’s carrying capacity. Bell Ringer – Copy and answer the question (in blue) on your bell ringer sheet. Why is it important to study ecosystems?

Agenda for Today: Reflection for unit 7 Ecology Notes Begin notes summary

ECOLOGY

Ecology: the study of the interactions of living things with each other and their physical environment

REVIEW? Why is it important to study ecology?

Ecological Organization: Population: all the members of a species inhabiting a given location Community: all the interacting populations in a given area Ecosystem: the living community and the physical environment functioning together as an independent and relatively stable system

4. Biosphere: that portion of the earth where life exists The biosphere is composed of numerous complex ecosystems. An ecosystem involves interactions between abiotic (physical) and biotic (living) factors. The members of the community in the ecosystem and environment must interact to maintain a balance.

REVIEW: What examples would you use to describe the ecological organization? Can the biosphere exist without the hydrosphere? Why or why not?

An ecosystem is self-sustaining if the following requirements are met: A constant source of energy and a living system capable of incorporating this energy into organic molecules. A cycling of materials between organisms and their environment.

In all environments, organisms with similar needs may compete with each other for resources, including food, space, water, air, and shelter.

Abiotic factors: Those (Non-Living)physical and chemical factors which affect the ability of organisms to survive and reproduce

Some Abiotic Factors: intensity of light range of temperatures amount of moisture type of substratum (soil or rock type) availability of inorganic substances such as minerals supply of gases such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen pH

** Each of the prior listed abiotic factors varies in the environment and, as such, may act as a limiting factor, determining the types of organisms that exist in that environment.

Review: Black squirrels were introduced into forest populated with red squirrels, and they both ate acorns. What might happen to the population of red squirrels? Why would a fox depend on abiotic factors to survive?

Your Task: Complete a summary of the notes we have taken today. Make sure it is in your own words. Include your main ideas and topics. Whatever you don’t finish in class, you will need to complete it for homework.