Unit B Conclusion

Unit B Conclusion

If asked to describe how the biosphere is composed of ecosystems, each with distinctive biotic and abiotic characteristics, you could refer to the differences between Earth’s biomes. You have learned that the abiotic components, like precipitation and altitude, will influence the distribution of the biotic components, such as animals and plants. Aquatic and terrestrial biomes and ecosystems can be identified by looking at the particular mix of organisms that have adapted to living in a particular environmental condition. You have learned that the abiotic environment influences where organisms will live and survive. Your Module 3 project explored how humans can apply this knowledge of the components of ecosystems to assess and limit the impact of human activities in national parks.

In Unit B you have performed a variety of labs and learned many techniques used to study the different components of ecosystems. You have researched how scientists determine the distribution and abundance of organisms and how these organisms are classified, identified, and named. If you were to perform a field study looking at the diversity of organisms in an area, you could now determine an appropriate method for measuring the distribution and abundance of organisms. Transects, quadrats, and catch/recapture are some of the sampling techniques you might choose from.

When asked to explain the mechanisms involved in the second major concept—the change of populations over time—you will describe the process of natural selection. You may explain the theory of natural selection better by comparing the different theories of evolution proposed by Lamarck and Darwin. You will discuss the importance of sexual reproduction and mutations in creating variation in populations and how this is necessary for the process of evolution. Since evolution can be a controversial topic, it is important that you understand the evidence used to support the evolution of modern species from ancestral forms. Evidence like the fossil record, homologous and analogous structures, and biochemistry can now be described. You should also be able to explain the two modern evolutionary theories of punctuated equilibrium and gradualism.

Now that you have completed Unit B, you know where ecosystems are found, what the biotic and abiotic components are, and some of the interactions that occur between these components. Describing how these interactions can lead to the change of populations over time or evolution helps you to make your own conclusions about evolution as a product of natural selection.

In Unit C you will take a closer look at the interaction between two components found in every ecosystem—sunlight and plants. You will look at how plants (the biotic component) and sunlight (the abiotic component) are directly linked to each other and the other organisms in the ecosystem.