<p> Introduction to Ecology</p><p>Introduction to Ecology</p><p>Section 1A – Vocabulary Below is a list of all of the biology vocabulary terms used in this Unit. By the end of the Unit, you will be able to write a working definition of each term and correctly use each term.</p><p> abiotic factor  ecology  matter  autotroph  ecosystem  niche  biosphere  energy  population  biotic factor  energy flow  producer  community  food web  species  consumer  habitat  trophic cascade  decomposer  heterotroph  trophic level</p><p>Section 1B – Mastery Objectives / Critical Thinking Skills 1. Define ecology 2. Distinguish between abiotic and biotic factors 3. Distinguish between the concepts community, habitat and niche 4. Describe how one determines identifies a species and a population of a species 5. Build a food web, food pyramid and energy pyramid 6. Explain the concept of trophic cascade</p><p>Section 2A –Required Readings  Miller and Levine – pp 63-64; 67-73  Marris, Emma (2014), “Legend of the Wolf”, Nature Vol 507: pp158-160  National Geographic: Before and After Wolves Graphic</p><p>Section 2B –Relevant Websites Refer to the class wiki (http://nnhsbiology.pbworks.com</p><p>Section 3 – In Class Unit Activities 1) Lecture / Powerpoint 2) Food web and trophic cascade activity with critical reading 3) Beet Lab</p><p>Ecology Unit Fall 2014 Introduction to Ecology</p><p>Section 4 – – Outside Class Assignments Thoughtfully answer each of the following questions or tasks. Include all your reasoning and work wherever it seems appropriate. Type the question and then the answer. Go in order. Due dates for each assignment will be given in class. (Please remember - homework that is passed in late is automatically discounted 15% and 0% after the unit test.)</p><p>4) Using post it notes, your book and an 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper, prepare a concept map using the terms. a. Abiotic factor, biotic factor, ecosystem, biosphere, energy, matter b. Community, niche, population, species, habitat c. Food web, consumer, producer, heterotroph, autotroph, energy flow, decomposer, trophic level</p><p>5) We talk about abiotic factors that shape ecosystems. a. List three important abiotic factors that shape ecosystems at the bottom of the ocean and then explain the effect of each of the three on that ecosystem. b. List three important abiotic factors that shape a desert ecosystem and explain the effect of each of them on the ecosystem.</p><p>6) Imagine that you have just eaten a tuna fish sandwich with lettuce, tomato and mayonnaise, an apple and a glass of milk Draw the food chain for each item you ate and indicate your trophic level in each chain</p><p>7) Why does the amount of biomass get smaller as one moves up the trophic level? (Your reading in Miller and Levine will help you here.)</p><p>8) It’s time to begin your tree diaries. Select a tree and sit by it without interruption for 5 minutes. No phone, no music, no digital distractions. Watch the tree and its ecosystem closely for the 5 minutes and then do the following. a. Make a sketch of your tree – be sure to note the color of the trunk, branches and leaves. b. Record any evidence of organisms that inhabit or visit the tree. These can include actual sightings, or evidence left behind. c. For whom do you think the tree provides a habitat? a niche and why d. Are there animals, plants, other organisms for which the tree is important even though you did not observe any evidence?</p><p>Ecology Unit Fall 2014</p>