Diversity of Life and Ecosystems

Overview

This unit explores the incredible diversity of life on Earth and the complex ecosystems in which organisms live. Students will examine how organisms are classified, how they interact within ecosystems, and how energy flows through food chains and webs. The unit also addresses human impacts on biodiversity and ecosystems, emphasising the importance of conservation for a sustainable future.

Key Concept

Systems — Ecosystems function as integrated systems where living and non-living components interact in complex, balanced relationships.

Environment — The physical and biological surroundings in which organisms live.
Balance — The dynamic equilibrium within ecosystems that maintains stability.
Function — The roles and relationships of organisms within their ecosystems.

Global Context

Globalization and Sustainability — How are human activities affecting global biodiversity? How can we protect and sustain Earth's ecosystems?

Statement of Inquiry

Ecosystems depend on diversity and interconnected relationships that human activity is rapidly transforming.

Inquiry Questions

Factual Questions

How are living organisms classified into kingdoms and taxonomic groups?
What are the components of a food chain and a food web?
What are the major biomes and their characteristic organisms?

Conceptual Questions

Why is biodiversity important for ecosystem health and stability?
How do changes in one part of an ecosystem affect other parts?
What factors determine the distribution of organisms across different habitats?

Debatable Questions

Is human intervention in ecosystems more helpful or harmful?
Should endangered species receive more protection than common species?
Can economic development and biodiversity conservation coexist?

ATL Skills

Thinking Skills

Analyse the relationships between organisms within ecosystems.
Evaluate the impacts of human activities on biodiversity.
Synthesise information from multiple sources to understand ecosystem dynamics.

Communication Skills

Create detailed food web diagrams and ecosystem models.
Write scientific reports on ecosystem investigations.
Present research findings using appropriate scientific vocabulary.

Research Skills

Use classification keys to identify organisms.
Collect and record ecological data through fieldwork.
Evaluate sources of information about biodiversity and conservation.

Self-Management Skills

Work effectively in groups during fieldwork and lab activities.
Maintain accurate scientific notebooks and observation records.
Manage time effectively for research projects.

Content

Week 1: Classification of Living Things

The five kingdoms: Monera, Protista, Fungi, Plantae, Animalia.
Taxonomic hierarchy: domain, kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.
Using dichotomous keys for identification.
The importance of scientific naming (binomial nomenclature).

Week 2: Habitats and Ecosystems

What is an ecosystem? Biotic and abiotic components.
Types of ecosystems: terrestrial, freshwater, marine.
Habitat vs. niche: where organisms live and what they do.
Factors affecting organism distribution: temperature, water, light, soil.

Week 3: Energy Flow in Ecosystems

Photosynthesis: the foundation of most ecosystems.
Food chains: producers, consumers, and decomposers.
Food webs: interconnected feeding relationships.
Energy pyramids and trophic levels.

Week 4: Adaptations and Interdependence

Structural, behavioural, and physiological adaptations.
Symbiotic relationships: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism.
Competition and predation.
Case studies of specialised adaptations.

Week 5: Human Impact on Ecosystems

Habitat destruction and fragmentation.
Pollution and its effects on ecosystems.
Invasive species and their impact on native biodiversity.
Climate change and ecosystem disruption.

Week 6: Conservation and Sustainability

Importance of biodiversity: ecological, economic, cultural value.
Conservation strategies: protected areas, captive breeding, habitat restoration.
Individual and community actions for conservation.
Case studies of successful conservation efforts.

Summative Assessment

Ecosystem Investigation Project: Students will investigate a local ecosystem through fieldwork, identifying organisms, constructing food webs, and analysing the health of the ecosystem. The project must include a written scientific report with methodology, data, analysis, and conclusions, along with a visual representation (poster or digital presentation) of the ecosystem.

Conservation Campaign: Students will research a threatened species or ecosystem and create an awareness campaign (including a written persuasive piece and a visual element) aimed at promoting conservation action.

Formative Assessment

Classification exercises using dichotomous keys.
Food chain and food web construction activities.
Ecosystem diagram labelling and analysis.
Adaptation case study worksheets.
Field observation journals and data collection.
Quizzes on biological terms and concepts.

Interdisciplinary Connections

Mathematics: Analysing population data; constructing graphs of biodiversity.
Geography: Mapping ecosystems and biomes; understanding human population pressures.
Language and Literature: Reading and writing about conservation and nature.
Arts: Creating scientific illustrations of organisms and ecosystems.

Service as Action

Participate in a local biodiversity survey or citizen science project.
Organise a habitat restoration event on school grounds or in a local park.
Create educational materials about local biodiversity for younger students.
Start a school wildlife garden to support local pollinators and wildlife.
Collaborate with a conservation organisation on a community project.

IB Learner Profile

Inquirers: Students investigate living organisms and ecosystems with curiosity and scientific rigour.
Knowledgeable: Students understand the diversity of life and the complexity of ecosystems.
Thinkers: Students analyse ecological relationships and human impacts critically.
Caring: Students develop concern for living organisms and environmental stewardship.
Reflective: Students reflect on their own environmental impact and conservation responsibilities.

Self-Test

List the five kingdoms of life and give an example of each.
What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?
Draw a simple food chain with four trophic levels and label each level.
Explain three types of symbiotic relationships with examples.
How does deforestation affect the balance of an ecosystem?
What is biodiversity and why is it important?
Describe three adaptations of a desert plant or animal.
How can an invasive species disrupt an ecosystem?
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
List three conservation strategies and explain how they help protect ecosystems.