AQA Specification
Option 3: Ecosystems: Change and ChallengeNature of ecosystemsStructure of ecosystems, energy flows, trophic levels, food chains and food webs.
Ecosystems in the British Isles over timeSuccession and climatic climax: illustrated by one of lithosere, psammosere, hydrosere or halosere.
The characteristics of the climatic climax: temperate deciduous woodland biome.
The effects of human activity on succession – illustrated by one plagioclimax such as a heather moorland.
The biome of one tropical region (savanna grassland or tropical monsoon forest or tropical equatorial rainforest)The main characteristics of the biome.
Ecological responses to the climate and soil moisture budget – adaptations by vegetation and animals.
Human activity and its impact on the biome.
Development issues in the biome to include aspects of biodiversity and the potential for sustainability.
Ecosystem issues on a local scale: impact of human activityChanges in ecosystems resulting from urbanisation.
Urban niches. Colonisation of wasteland: the development of distinctive ecologies along routeways (e.g. roads and railways). The planned and unplanned introduction of new species and the impact of this on ecosystems.
Changes in the rural/urban fringe.
Ecological conservation areas. One case study should be undertaken.
Ecosystem issues on a global scaleThe relationships between human activity, biodiversity and sustainability.
The management of fragile environments (conservation versus exploitation):two contrasting case studies of recent (within the last 30 years) management schemes in fragile environments should be undertaken.
Ecosystems in the British Isles over timeSuccession and climatic climax: illustrated by one of lithosere, psammosere, hydrosere or halosere.
The characteristics of the climatic climax: temperate deciduous woodland biome.
The effects of human activity on succession – illustrated by one plagioclimax such as a heather moorland.
The biome of one tropical region (savanna grassland or tropical monsoon forest or tropical equatorial rainforest)The main characteristics of the biome.
Ecological responses to the climate and soil moisture budget – adaptations by vegetation and animals.
Human activity and its impact on the biome.
Development issues in the biome to include aspects of biodiversity and the potential for sustainability.
Ecosystem issues on a local scale: impact of human activityChanges in ecosystems resulting from urbanisation.
Urban niches. Colonisation of wasteland: the development of distinctive ecologies along routeways (e.g. roads and railways). The planned and unplanned introduction of new species and the impact of this on ecosystems.
Changes in the rural/urban fringe.
Ecological conservation areas. One case study should be undertaken.
Ecosystem issues on a global scaleThe relationships between human activity, biodiversity and sustainability.
The management of fragile environments (conservation versus exploitation):two contrasting case studies of recent (within the last 30 years) management schemes in fragile environments should be undertaken.
Lesson Plan - Lesson 1 of Scheme of Work
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Edexel Specification
DEFINING BIODIVERSITY - EdexcelBiodiversity: Ecologists define as the totality of genes, species and ecosystems in a given area.
Genetic Diverstiy: range of genes found within a particular species. Often determines the degree of resisitance to pests and diseases. Genetic erosion and Genetic pollution found in agro-systems - narrowing of genetic base and general weakening of plant resistance to disease and climate change. Like to have an impact on future global food security.
Species Diversity: Variety of plant and animal species present in an ecosystem. Needed to enable the ecosystem to carry out its functions e.g. carbon cycling, with max efficiency. helps an ecosystem cope with climate change. Removing species from various trophic levels (various parts of the food chain) can have a huge impact on biodiversity & ecosystem functions. Endemism is especially important.
Ecosystem Diversity: number of different ecosystems in a given area. Partly controlled by physical conditions, partically climate, geology, relef & soils. People modifying this is a threat. High biodiversity ecosystems - coral reefs and rainforests.
Biodiversity under threat
Defining biodiversity
Key definitions
BIODIVERSITY-this is the variety of genes, species and ecosystems in an area.
BIOSPHERE-this is the thin veneer of living material on the planet's surface.
BIOME-this is a global scale ecosystem, e.g. tropical forest.
BIOMASS-this is the total weight of living matter.
ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY-this is the range of different ecosystems, habitats and niches in an area.
SPECIES DIVERSITY-this is the number of different species within in an area.
GENETIC DIVERSITY-this is the genetic variability within all species.
Examiner's tip: remember that the more isolated a location (e.g. an island) the more evolution is likely to take a distinctive
course. The evolutionary divergence produces unique endemic species.
What is the importance of biodiversity?
30 million species approximately on the Earth but only 1.4 million have been identified.
Biodiversity hotspots
Typical mistake: many candidates think that a hotspot is an area of
high biodiversity. However, it is an area of high biodiversity that is
under threat.
Criteria
Species richness is 0.5% of the world's recorded plant species.
High level of endemism usually above 50%.
Severe levels of threat from human actions.
Hotspots hold a high number of endemic species yet their combined remaining habitat on the Earth is 2.3%.
DEFINING BIODIVERSITY - EdexcelBiodiversity: Ecologists define as the totality of genes, species and ecosystems in a given area.
Genetic Diverstiy: range of genes found within a particular species. Often determines the degree of resisitance to pests and diseases. Genetic erosion and Genetic pollution found in agro-systems - narrowing of genetic base and general weakening of plant resistance to disease and climate change. Like to have an impact on future global food security.
Species Diversity: Variety of plant and animal species present in an ecosystem. Needed to enable the ecosystem to carry out its functions e.g. carbon cycling, with max efficiency. helps an ecosystem cope with climate change. Removing species from various trophic levels (various parts of the food chain) can have a huge impact on biodiversity & ecosystem functions. Endemism is especially important.
Ecosystem Diversity: number of different ecosystems in a given area. Partly controlled by physical conditions, partically climate, geology, relef & soils. People modifying this is a threat. High biodiversity ecosystems - coral reefs and rainforests.
Biodiversity under threat
Defining biodiversity
Key definitions
BIODIVERSITY-this is the variety of genes, species and ecosystems in an area.
BIOSPHERE-this is the thin veneer of living material on the planet's surface.
BIOME-this is a global scale ecosystem, e.g. tropical forest.
BIOMASS-this is the total weight of living matter.
ECOSYSTEM DIVERSITY-this is the range of different ecosystems, habitats and niches in an area.
SPECIES DIVERSITY-this is the number of different species within in an area.
GENETIC DIVERSITY-this is the genetic variability within all species.
Examiner's tip: remember that the more isolated a location (e.g. an island) the more evolution is likely to take a distinctive
course. The evolutionary divergence produces unique endemic species.
What is the importance of biodiversity?
30 million species approximately on the Earth but only 1.4 million have been identified.
Biodiversity hotspots
Typical mistake: many candidates think that a hotspot is an area of
high biodiversity. However, it is an area of high biodiversity that is
under threat.
Criteria
Species richness is 0.5% of the world's recorded plant species.
High level of endemism usually above 50%.
Severe levels of threat from human actions.
Hotspots hold a high number of endemic species yet their combined remaining habitat on the Earth is 2.3%.