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=MODULE 3.1= =I. Topic Title: Function and Components of Ecosystem=

=II. Topic Description:= The basic unit of ecology is the study of ecosystems. The structure of an ecosystem consists of interrelated parts - living ( biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components where there is exchange of matter and energy. The function of the ecosytem includes food chain, energy flow and biogeochemical cycling. This lesson also includes environmental isues like the effects of pesticides and over fishing in the food chain

=III. Terminal Objectives:= To identify the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem To differentiate the function of each component in an ecosystem. To explain how matter is recycled and how energy flows in an ecosystem. To differentiate the different levels of organization of matter – ecosystem, communities, population and individuals. To describe an ecosystem based on its parts ( structure) and function. =IV. Content Presentation:=



= = = = Ecosystem 1. [|Definition of Ecosystem] 2. Components A. Biotic Components B. Abiotic Components 3. Function A. Biogeochemical Cycles B. Food Chain/Food Web C. Energy Flow 4. Types of Ecosystem A. [|Marine Ecosytem] B. [|Terrestrial Ecosystem] 5. Human Impacts on the ecosystem A. Unsustainable practices B. Conservation Measures =V. Activities:= Click [|Investigate an ecosystem] to identify the parts of an ecosytem Click [|WEB OF LIFE] for an activity on the basic components of the ecosystem. Click [|ECOSYSTEM DISCOVERY] to create a miniature ecosystem. Click [|here] for an activity on the effects of pesticides on the food chain. Create your own description of the Philippine endangered species

=VI. References:= Chapter 5 Ecosystems and How They Work. Living in the Environment. 9th edition. Miller G.T. Wadsworth Publishing Company. California: USA From Awareness to Environmental Action:A guidebook for youth environmental clubs in the Philippines 2001. Environmental Management Bureau – DENR Philippines in cooperation with the Ministry of Environment ( Japan) Resources for Science Learning. Investigate an ecosystem http://www.fi.edu/tfi/units/life/habitat/habact3.html Retrieved March 24, 2007.

=VII. Assessment:= For an evaluation of your understanding about the ecosystem, click [|Self-Evaluation]

Make a concept map of the ideas listed below. Show relationships using arrows and linking words.

Ecosystem Biomass Pyramid respiration Biotic components Pyramid of numbers photosynthesis Abiotic components trophic level one-way energy flow Cycling of matter Food chain primary producers Energy pyramid Food web primary consumers Decomposition biogeochemical cycles secondary consumers

Read [|Vanishing Sea Otters] to answer the following questions.

Read on the effects in the population of sea otters when urcas/ killer whale switched from eating sea lions and seals to sea otters. What have caused such change in their diet? What were the effects of this changes to the kelp population and sea urchins? Draw a food web to show the feeding relationships of the marine creatures involved in the article.

Explain how human beings are related to microorganisms and how they are dependent on them for survival. Explain using the second law of thermodynamics, who/which is more energy efficient in terms of energy intake, a vegetarian or a meat eater? a developing country subsisting more on grains or developed countries heavily dependent on meat What are the pros and cons of being a pure vegetarian? A pure meat eater? Why is it that commercial fertilizers only comprise of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, NPK? Why is it that there is no carbon component in it considering that plants also need carbon in making food? Do you consider cremation as ecological in nature? Does it obey the natural processes of decay and recycling?

= = =VIII. Disclaimer and Copyright Notice= This work is licensed under a [|Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 License]

=IX. Topic Writer:= Rhoda Santillan-Tayag, rhodasantillantayag@gmail.com

X. Document History:
Version 1.0 - Date: Revision 1.0 -Date: March 24, 2007