Content Objective: Gain an understanding of habitat, adaptations to the abiotic environment, abiotic variables affecting species distribution, the range of tolerance of limiting factors, conditions required for coral reef formation, abiotic factors determining terrestrial biome distribution, biomes and their characteristic climates, and adaptations of organisms in hot deserts and tropical rainforests.
Language Objective: Effectively communicate knowledge of habitat, adaptations, abiotic variables, range of tolerance, coral reef formation, terrestrial biomes, and adaptations in hot deserts and tropical rainforests using appropriate scientific vocabulary and describe the relationships between abiotic factors and species distribution.
Syllabus Details:
B4.1.1 - Habitat as the place in which a community, species, population or organism lives - "A description of the habitat of a species can include both geographical and physical locations, and the type of ecosystem."
B4.1.2 - Adaptations of organisms to the abiotic environment of their habitat Include a grass species adapted to sand dunes and a tree species adapted to mangrove swamps.
B4.1.3 - Abiotic variables affecting species distribution - "Include examples of abiotic variables for both plants and animals. Students should understand that the adaptations of a species give it a range of tolerance."
B4.1.4 - Range of tolerance of a limiting factor - "Students should use transect data to correlate the distribution of plant or animal species with an abiotic variable. Students should collect this data themselves from a natural or seminatural habitat. Humans have influenced semi-natural habitats but are dominated by wild rather than cultivated species. Sensors could be used to measure abiotic variables such as temperature, light intensity and soil pH."
B4.1.5 - Conditions required for coral reef formation- "Coral reefs are used here as an example of a marine ecosystem. Factors should include water depth, pH, salinity, clarity and temperature."
B4.1.6 - Abiotic factors as the determinants of terrestrial biome distribution- "Students should understand that, for any given temperature and rainfall pattern, one natural ecosystem type is likely to develop. Illustrate this using a graph showing the distribution of biomes with these two climatic variables on the horizontal and vertical axes."
B4.1.7- Biomes as groups of ecosystems with similar communities due to similar abiotic conditions and convergent evolution - "Students should be familiar with the climate conditions that characterize the tropical forest, temperate forest, taiga, grassland, tundra and hot desert biomes."
B4.1.8 - Adaptations to life in hot deserts and tropical rainforest- Include examples of adaptations in named species of plants and animals.
Activity 1 - Notes on Habitats of Abiotic Factors
Activity 2 - Coral Reefs as an example of marine ecosystem
Video of Coral Reefs - what conditions are needed for coral reef formation?
Activity 3 - Abiotic Factors and Terrestial Biomes
Activity 4 - Data Analysis - Range of tolerance of a limiting factor
Activity 5 - Mangrove Trees and Marrem Grass Adaptations
Introduction: Let's delve into the fascinating world of Mangrove Trees and Marram Grass. These plants exhibit unique adaptations that enable them to thrive in challenging environments.
Form Groups: Partner up with a classmate. Half of the pairs will focus on the intricate details of Mangrove Trees, while the other half will explore the characteristics of Marram Grass.
Research Phase: Utilize your computer or tablet to research the specific adaptations of your assigned plant. Concentrate on:
Structural Adaptations: Such as specialized roots or leaf structures.
Physiological Adaptations: Mechanisms they employ to cope with environmental challenges, like salinity.
Reproductive Strategies: How they propagate, considering unique seed dispersal methods or germination techniques.
Compile Your Findings: Document your research insights in the provided table. The table should be segmented into:
Adaptation Category (Structural, Physiological, Reproductive)
Mangrove Trees or Marram Grass (based on your assignment)
Activity 6 - Biome Slides and Convergent Evolution Activity