Module 3 Intro
1. Module 3 Intro
1.5. Page 3
Module 3—Ecosystems and Their Diversity
Read
ecosystem: a community of populations together with the abiotic factors that surround and affect the ecosystem
biosphere: all the areas on Earth that are inhabited by life
biodiversity: the variety of species in an area and their range of behavioural, ecological, physiological, and other adaptations
All of the biotic and abiotic components in the environment make up an ecosystem; and all the ecosystems in the world and their interactions make up the biosphere. Living organisms are found high in the atmosphere, deep in the ocean, and below the soil layer. This area on Earth where living organisms are found is called the biosphere. The term biodiversity refers to the variety of different species of organisms and ecosystems that exist in an area.
Read from “Organisms and Their Environment,” on page 78 of the textbook, to the end of “The Bigger Picture: Earth’s Biosphere,” on page 83. You can skim over “Investigation 3A” and “Thought Lab 3.1”; however, these parts of the textbook will be revisited later on in the unit.
Try This
TR 2. Read Parks Canada’s article “The wolf has a story to tell,” and think about how different populations interact with the wolf population. After you read the article, complete the Wolf Article Self-Test.
TR 3. What are some of the problems that could potentially be caused by the wolf-willow population interaction? With a partner, make a list of some problems that could occur if the wolf and willow populations were too large or too small. Share your list with other students.
Watch and Listen
The podcast titled “Wolves, Trees, and Elk” explains how the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park has helped the aspen tree population recover in certain areas. Listen to the podcast and read the transcript of the interview with Bill Ripple. Use this information to complete the first part of your Module 3: Lesson 1 Assignment.
To access this podcast, type the following keywords into a websearch engine: “wolves,” “trees,” “elk,” “earth,” and “sky.” This is Program #4159 of the Earth & Sky Radio Series. A transcript of the podcast is available. You may choose to just listen to the podcast or read the transcript. Or you can both listen to and read the podcast. If you are unsuccessful in finding this podcast, the key words “wolves,” “trees,” “elk,” and “Yellowstone national park” will lead you to several articles discussing the same topic. If necessary, these articles will also help you complete your assignment.
Try This
TR 4. Wolves, Trees, and Elk
Go to your Module 3: Lesson 1 Assignment to complete the activity associated with Watch and Listen.