m3t02

=MODULE 3.2= =I. Topic Title:=

Structural and Functional Components of An 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:= > # > Explain the interplay among components in an ecosystem: > a. biotic – biotic > b. biotic-abiotic > c. abiotic-abiotic > # > Compare the flow of energy and matter in an ecosystem > # > Explain the basic processes in an ecosystem like the cycling of essential chemicals > which sustains life on earth > # > Show understanding and appreciation of the interconnectedness of life > > =IV. Content Presentation:=
 * 1) Describe the structural and functional components of an ecosystem

STRUCTURE OF THE ECOSYSTEM 1. BIOTIC COMPONENTS 1.1. PRODUCERS 1.2.CONSUMERS 1.3.DECOMPOSERS

2.ABIOTIC COMPONENTS 2.1.PHYSICAL FACTORS 2.2 CHEMICAL FACTORS

FUNCTION OF THE ECOSYSTEM 1. FEEDING RELATIONSHIP 1.1. TROPHIC STRUCTURE 1.2 FOOD CHAIN 1.3 FOOD WEB 2. ENERGY FLOW 2.1 PYRAMID OF NUMBERS 2.2. BIOMASS PYRAMID 2.3 ENERGY PYRAMID

3. BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLING 3.1 HYDROLOGICAL CYCLE 3.2 GASEOUS CYCLE 3.2 SEDIMENTARY CYCLE

Suggested readings, click [|here] For a summary of the lesson, go here. Click this [|site] for the types of ecosystems. Click [|here] for a powerpoint presentation about ecosystem. =V. Activities:=

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)

=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= media type="custom" key="9715" =IX. Topic Writer:= Enter here name, email address, writer edublog address or wikispace.

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