1. Environmental Biology and Genetics

2. Energy Flow Ecology – The study of living organisms in relation to their environment Ecology – The study of living organisms in relation to their environment Organism – Living thing Organism – Living thing Habitat – The place where an organism lives Habitat – The place where an organism lives Population – The total number of one type of organism living in any one habitat Population – The total number of one type of organism living in any one habitat Community – The different populations of plants, animals and micro-organisms found in a particular habitat Community – The different populations of plants, animals and micro-organisms found in a particular habitat Ecosystem – A natural biological unit which is made up of living and non-living parts Ecosystem – A natural biological unit which is made up of living and non-living parts

3. All the energy in an ecosystem comes from the sun All the energy in an ecosystem comes from the sun Green plants are able to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy (starch) during photosynthesis Green plants are able to convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy (starch) during photosynthesis Green plants are called producers because they are able to produce their own food Green plants are called producers because they are able to produce their own food Other organisms can not produce their own food, so must eat (consume) these plants and/or animals Other organisms can not produce their own food, so must eat (consume) these plants and/or animals They are known as consumers They are known as consumers

4. Three types of consumers; Three types of consumers; Herbivores- Eat only plant material Herbivores- Eat only plant material Carnivores- Eat only meat (animal) tissue Carnivores- Eat only meat (animal) tissue Omnivores- Eat both plant and animal tissue Omnivores- Eat both plant and animal tissue An animal that hunts another animal is called a predator An animal that hunts another animal is called a predator The animal being hunted is the prey The animal being hunted is the prey Decomposers are micro-organisms ie. Bacteria and fungi, which get their energy from breaking down waste materials Decomposers are micro-organisms ie. Bacteria and fungi, which get their energy from breaking down waste materials Now complete pages 1 and 2 of your sheets. (Use pg 109 of the textbook to help) Now complete pages 1 and 2 of your sheets. (Use pg 109 of the textbook to help)

5. Food Chains / Webs When an animal eats a plant or animal energy is transferred from the food to the feeder When an animal eats a plant or animal energy is transferred from the food to the feeder The animal that eats the plant at the start of a feeding relationship is called the primary consumer (Normally a herbivore may be an omnivore) The animal that eats the plant at the start of a feeding relationship is called the primary consumer (Normally a herbivore may be an omnivore) If the primary consumer is eaten by a second animal, this second animal is called the secondary consumer (may be an omnivore or a carnivore) If the primary consumer is eaten by a second animal, this second animal is called the secondary consumer (may be an omnivore or a carnivore) Energy transfer continues the whole way along the feeding relationship. This is known as a food chain. Energy transfer continues the whole way along the feeding relationship. This is known as a food chain.

6. Food Chains A food chain always begins with a producer or detritus A food chain always begins with a producer or detritus Eg. Eg. GrassRabbitFox (Producer) (1st consumer) (2nd consumer) (Producer) (1st consumer) (2nd consumer) The arrows indicate the direction of energy transfer. The arrows indicate the direction of energy transfer.

7. Food Webs In nature a food chain rarely occurs in isolation In nature a food chain rarely occurs in isolation The producer may be eaten by a number of different animals, which in turn may be preyed upon by many different predators (See pg 3 of sheets, pgs 110 – 112 of text ) The producer may be eaten by a number of different animals, which in turn may be preyed upon by many different predators (See pg 3 of sheets, pgs 110 – 112 of text ) Food chains interconnect at many points to form a food web Food chains interconnect at many points to form a food web Look at the following food web and pick out at least 5 different food chains; Look at the following food web and pick out at least 5 different food chains; EagleFoxMerlin Skylark Mountain HareGrouse Moth Larva Heather

8. Food Webs Pick out all the food chains from this web; FoxOwl FrogHedgehog Weasel SnailVole Rabbit PrimroseOak

9. Energy Loss Not all the energy available at each step of the food chain is passed on to the next step (See sheets pg 4) Not all the energy available at each step of the food chain is passed on to the next step (See sheets pg 4) There is a significant energy loss at each step of a food chain There is a significant energy loss at each step of a food chain Energy from food100% 90% lost and is unavailable to other animals 10% is passed on to other animals (this energy is stored in the tissue of the plant or animal, until it is eaten) Some energy not used Some energy used uneaten undigested Lost as heat Used for movement

10. Pyramid of Numbers In most food chains there is a greater number of producers than primary consumers, and a greater number of primary consumers than secondary consumers, and so on In most food chains there is a greater number of producers than primary consumers, and a greater number of primary consumers than secondary consumers, and so on The final consumer is least numerous The final consumer is least numerous This numerical relationship is called a pyramid of numbers. This numerical relationship is called a pyramid of numbers. As the organism higher in the food chain requires more food, the level before it in the pyramid is bigger As the organism higher in the food chain requires more food, the level before it in the pyramid is bigger This is due to a decrease in energy being passed on. This is due to a decrease in energy being passed on.

11. Pyramid of Numbers Primrose Snail Hedgehog Fox DecreasingDecreasing numbers energy numbers energy FOX HEDGHOG SNAIL PRIMROSE

12. Pyramid of Numbers In some food chains the producer is a single large plant and the pyramid therefore takes a different form. In some food chains the producer is a single large plant and the pyramid therefore takes a different form. Oak Tree Caterpillar Shrew Owl Oak Tree Caterpillar Shrew Owl OTOTOTOT Caterpillar Shrew Owl

13. Pyramid of Biomass The biomass of a population is its total mass of living matter The biomass of a population is its total mass of living matter The biomass at each level of the pyramid decreases The biomass at each level of the pyramid decreases This can be represented as a pyramid of biomass This can be represented as a pyramid of biomass As there are so many organisms at each level of the pyramid, the weight decreases with the numbers. As there are so many organisms at each level of the pyramid, the weight decreases with the numbers.

14. Pyramid of Biomass Primrose Snail Hedgehog Fox Decrease in biomass FOX HEDGEHOG SNAIL PRIMROSE

15. Pyramid of Energy The most reliable comparison between organisms found at different levels of a food chain is in a pyramid of energy The most reliable comparison between organisms found at different levels of a food chain is in a pyramid of energy This is based on productivity This is based on productivity This is measured as dry mass per square metre per year, before being converted into kilojoules per square metre per year. This is measured as dry mass per square metre per year, before being converted into kilojoules per square metre per year. This type of pyramid will always take the shape of a true pyramid, as only a proportion of energy is transferred from one level to the next. (Complete pgs 3-6 of sheets) This type of pyramid will always take the shape of a true pyramid, as only a proportion of energy is transferred from one level to the next. (Complete pgs 3-6 of sheets) Test your knowledge pgs 113 + 118 of text Test your knowledge pgs 113 + 118 of text Apply your knowledge pgs 119-122 of text Apply your knowledge pgs 119-122 of text FOX HEDGHOG SNAIL PRIMROSE

16. Factors Affecting The Variety of Species in an Ecosystem Species – A group of living organisms which are so similar to one another that they are able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring Species – A group of living organisms which are so similar to one another that they are able to interbreed and produce fertile offspring

17. Biodiversity Within an ecosystem there is a variety of habitats Within an ecosystem there is a variety of habitats Within each habitat there is a range of populations (plants, animals and micro-organisms) Within each habitat there is a range of populations (plants, animals and micro-organisms) As well as being adapted to their habitat, each population is adapted to a particular ecological niche in the pattern of the community As well as being adapted to their habitat, each population is adapted to a particular ecological niche in the pattern of the community As an ecosystem develops over a period of time the range of habitats and niches it contains increases As an ecosystem develops over a period of time the range of habitats and niches it contains increases This gives rise to a wide diversity of species in every ecosystem This gives rise to a wide diversity of species in every ecosystem An adaptation is an inherited characteristic that makes an organism well suited to survival in its environment An adaptation is an inherited characteristic that makes an organism well suited to survival in its environment

18. Some adaptations involve the structure of the organism’s body, or a behavioural response to a particular environmental stimuli Some adaptations involve the structure of the organism’s body, or a behavioural response to a particular environmental stimuli Adaptation can leave some species unable to cope with other/different habitats, environmental conditions Adaptation can leave some species unable to cope with other/different habitats, environmental conditions This means that some species will only be found in an area where the conditions are suitable to its survival needs, influencing its distribution in the ecosystem This means that some species will only be found in an area where the conditions are suitable to its survival needs, influencing its distribution in the ecosystem A stable ecosystem contains a balance of interdependent producers, consumers and decomposers A stable ecosystem contains a balance of interdependent producers, consumers and decomposers (Complete pgs 7 and 8 of sheets, use pgs 123-128 of text) (Complete pgs 7 and 8 of sheets, use pgs 123-128 of text) Test your knowledge pg 127 Test your knowledge pg 127

19. Importance of Biodiversity 1.Could provide us with future life changing medicines 1.Could provide us with future life changing medicines 2.May provide us with a genetic storehouse in many wild species which could help humans and plants recover from disease 2.May provide us with a genetic storehouse in many wild species which could help humans and plants recover from disease 3. Could provide us with future varieties of food 3. Could provide us with future varieties of food 4.May add to our education of the nature around us. (Sheets page 14, see text pgs 139-140) 4.May add to our education of the nature around us. (Sheets page 14, see text pgs 139-140)

20. Factors such as pollution and grazing reduce the variety of species in an ecosystem Factors such as pollution and grazing reduce the variety of species in an ecosystem They act selectively on populations disadvantaging some species and allowing others to thrive by eliminating their competition. They act selectively on populations disadvantaging some species and allowing others to thrive by eliminating their competition.

21. Reduction in Biodiversity Human activity can reduce biodiversity through the destruction of habitats (Pages 8-13, see text pgs 129 - 138), ie; Human activity can reduce biodiversity through the destruction of habitats (Pages 8-13, see text pgs 129 - 138), ie; Disruption of food webs Disruption of food webs Grazing Grazing Pollution – Acid rain Pollution – Acid rain - Sewage - Sewage - Thermal pollution - Thermal pollution Deforestation Deforestation Desertification Desertification Mass extinction Mass extinction Over-hunting Over-hunting Habitat destruction Habitat destruction

22. Disruption of Food Webs Food webs are generally more stable than food chains, and can normally withstand small/ temporary disruptions Food webs are generally more stable than food chains, and can normally withstand small/ temporary disruptions If, however an organism is affected by an external factor, then this will have a knock-on effect in a food chain If, however an organism is affected by an external factor, then this will have a knock-on effect in a food chain A chain having only a few links will be more seriously affected than a longer chain A chain having only a few links will be more seriously affected than a longer chain Myxomatosis is an example of an external factor which nearly wiped out the rabbit population in Britain Myxomatosis is an example of an external factor which nearly wiped out the rabbit population in Britain

23. Grazing Grazing can be of an advantage to some plant species and a disadvantage to others Grazing can be of an advantage to some plant species and a disadvantage to others If natural grasslands go un-grazed, some of the stronger species will thrive on the available resources, causing other weaker species to die If natural grasslands go un-grazed, some of the stronger species will thrive on the available resources, causing other weaker species to die This reduces biodiversity This reduces biodiversity If on the other hand, animals are left to over-graze, this can also lead to a reduction in biodiversity If on the other hand, animals are left to over-graze, this can also lead to a reduction in biodiversity This is because the plants are not able to grow and reproduce. This is because the plants are not able to grow and reproduce.

24. Pollution Acid Rain Caused by the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil) Caused by the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil) Release sulphur dioxide (poisonous gas), damages many plant species Release sulphur dioxide (poisonous gas), damages many plant species Ie.different Lichen species tolerate different levels of SO 2 pollution Ie.different Lichen species tolerate different levels of SO 2 pollution As air pollution increases, the variety of lichen species decreases As air pollution increases, the variety of lichen species decreases Water and land environments can also be affected by pollution Water and land environments can also be affected by pollution Ie. a reduction in the number of fish species

25. Sewage Untreated sewage may be released into rivers in densely populated areas if the sewage works become overloaded Untreated sewage may be released into rivers in densely populated areas if the sewage works become overloaded This provides food for bacteria (which feed on organic waste) This provides food for bacteria (which feed on organic waste) (Organic waste ie. Dead skin cells, faeces, urine, hair, plant/animal food waste) (Organic waste ie. Dead skin cells, faeces, urine, hair, plant/animal food waste)

26. As sewage bacteria oxygen fish etc. As sewage bacteria oxygen fish etc. This could result in loss of clean water species ie. Loss of species diversity This could result in loss of clean water species ie. Loss of species diversity

27. Thermal Pollution Some power stations use local river water to cool their generators Some power stations use local river water to cool their generators When the water is returned to the river it is considerably warmer, and causes thermal pollution When the water is returned to the river it is considerably warmer, and causes thermal pollution

28. Deforestation The complete clearing of vast areas of natural forests and the failure to plant new forests in their place; The complete clearing of vast areas of natural forests and the failure to plant new forests in their place; Loss of regular water flow, so loss of sponge effect = rivers fail to provide a regular supply of water for human consumption and irrigation Loss of regular water flow, so loss of sponge effect = rivers fail to provide a regular supply of water for human consumption and irrigation Loss of rain water from hillsides = flooding of low-lying downstream areas, cannot be cultivated Loss of rain water from hillsides = flooding of low-lying downstream areas, cannot be cultivated

29. Erosion of fertile top soil = fertility of hillside reduced, rivers, lakes, irrigation channels and dams become blocked, muddy and undrinkable Erosion of fertile top soil = fertility of hillside reduced, rivers, lakes, irrigation channels and dams become blocked, muddy and undrinkable Less water evaporation into atmosphere = reduction in rainfall, so drier climate Less water evaporation into atmosphere = reduction in rainfall, so drier climate More CO 2 (burning) not removed by photosynthesis and less O 2 = extra carbon dioxide may add to the greenhouse effect. More CO 2 (burning) not removed by photosynthesis and less O 2 = extra carbon dioxide may add to the greenhouse effect.

30. Desertification Removal of protective shrubs and plants which act as wind breaks which normally hold the soil together Removal of protective shrubs and plants which act as wind breaks which normally hold the soil together Removal causes the soil to dry out and lose fertility. Removal causes the soil to dry out and lose fertility.

31. Mass Extinction, Over-hunting and Habitat destruction Fossil fuels take millions of years to form, and are quickly becoming depleted due to over use Fossil fuels take millions of years to form, and are quickly becoming depleted due to over use As they take so long to form it will take as long again to form more As they take so long to form it will take as long again to form more Hundreds of birds and animals have become extinct over the centuries, and many more are in danger Hundreds of birds and animals have become extinct over the centuries, and many more are in danger

32. Two major contributors are over-hunting and habitat destruction Two major contributors are over-hunting and habitat destruction Human activities are causing the current wave of extinction to run at about 400 times its natural rate. Human activities are causing the current wave of extinction to run at about 400 times its natural rate. (See pgs 8-13) (See pgs 8-13) Test your knowledge pg 141 of text. Test your knowledge pg 141 of text.

33. Behavioural Adaptations in Animals Animals exhibit behavioural responses to their environment Animals exhibit behavioural responses to their environment Behavioural responses/adaptations are of survival value to the animal Behavioural responses/adaptations are of survival value to the animal The way an animal responds depends on the environmental stimulus which it has triggered its internal receptors The way an animal responds depends on the environmental stimulus which it has triggered its internal receptors Theses receptors are linked with the sense organs which in turn communicate with the nervous system Theses receptors are linked with the sense organs which in turn communicate with the nervous system The sense organ detects an environmental stimulus then transmits nerve impulses through the nervous system, causing an effector to create a behavioural response The sense organ detects an environmental stimulus then transmits nerve impulses through the nervous system, causing an effector to create a behavioural response The effector could be muscles or glands. (See pgs15-17) The effector could be muscles or glands. (See pgs15-17)

34. Pg 16/17 Activity 2.1, text pgs 143 - 144 Pg 16/17 Activity 2.1, text pgs 143 - 144 Pg 17/18 Activity 2.2, text pgs 145 -147 Pg 17/18 Activity 2.2, text pgs 145 -147 Testing your knowledge pg 147 of text. Testing your knowledge pg 147 of text.

35. Competition Between Plants If any of the following resources are in short supply plants will compete with one another for them; If any of the following resources are in short supply plants will compete with one another for them; Light Light Water Water Soil Nutrients Soil Nutrients Same species plants will have intense competition for these resources. (See sheets pgs 19- top 20, text pg 147) Same species plants will have intense competition for these resources. (See sheets pgs 19- top 20, text pg 147) Pg 19 Activity 2.3, text pgs 148 – 149. Pg 19 Activity 2.3, text pgs 148 – 149.

36. Competition Between Animals Animals will compete with one another for resources such as; Animals will compete with one another for resources such as; Food Food Water Water Shelter Shelter (See sheets pg 20, text pgs 150 - 152) Test your knowledge pg 152 of text. Test your knowledge pg 152 of text.

37. Applying your knowledge pgs 153 – 158 of text Applying your knowledge pgs 153 – 158 of text What you should know pgs 158 – 160 of text. What you should know pgs 158 – 160 of text.