By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Describe how organisms acquire energy in a food web and in associated food chains
Explain how the efficiency of energy transfers between trophic levels affects ecosystem structure and dynamics
Discuss trophic levels and how ecological pyramids are used to model them

By the end of this section, you will be able to do the following:

Identify and describe the properties of life
Describe the levels of organization among living things
Recognize and interpret a phylogenetic tree
List examples of different subdisciplines in biology

How organisms are organized.

A free CK-12 account is required to view all materials.

This ZOOMSci video segment shows how to create self-contained environments and explore how plants grow under different conditions. [3:24]

Paul Andersen explains the importance of biodiversity. He starts by describing how biodiversity can be species, genetic, or ecosystem diversity. He explains the importance of keystone species in an environment and gives two examples; the jaguar and the sea otter. He finishes with a quote from the father of biodiversity, E.O. Wilson. Includes PDF file with review questions. [7:34]

Paul Andersen explains how the Earth's climate will natural change due to interactions between the Sun and Earth, volcanism, and plate tectonics. Species may go extinct leading to adaptive radiation or may move to a suitable climate. Primary and secondary succession are also discussed. [6:38]

This site provides information on the different biomes of the Earth. There are links to related information and other topics.

Students investigate decomposers and the role of decomposers in maintaining the flow of nutrients in an environment. Students also learn how engineers use decomposers to help clean up wastes in a process known as bioremediation. This lesson concludes a series of six lessons in which students use their growing understanding of various environments and the engineering design process, to design and create their own model biodome ecosystems.

Smithsonian Education presents Contrasts in Blue: Life on the Caribbean Coral Reef and the Rocky Coast of Maine. Teachers can download this comprehensive teaching package in which students explore two marine ecosystems, the coral reefs of the Caribbean and the state of Maine's rocky coastline. This amazing teaching package comes complete with background information, pictures and maps, student handouts, teacher answer keys, and a list of resources. Through this study students will gain an understanding of our world being one large ecosystem in which seemingly unrelated environments are in fact inevitably linked.

In this video segment, ZOOM guest Cassie takes us on a tour of the coral reef near her home in Key Largo, Florida, and points out some of its unique features. [2:20]

In this lesson, students find their location on a map using Latitude and Longitudinal coordinates. They determine where they should go to be rescued and how best to get there.

While the creation of a dam provides many benefits, it can have negative impacts on local ecosystems. Students learn about the major environmental impacts of dams and the engineering solutions used to address them.

This video segment from NOVA: A Desert Place describes the physical characteristics and organisms that define the desert biome.

Educator develops an ecosystem for managing learning and resources for digital learning. This is the second of five micro-credentials in the “Transitioning to Digital Learning” stack. It is encouraged that the micro-credentials in this stack are earned in sequence, as each skill builds on the previous one in the stack. The educator selects and organizes a virtual desk to support equitable access to materials and promote two-way communication.

Approximate time to complete this course is 3 hours. A micro-credential is available from Digital Promise upon completion.

In this Dinosaur Train clip, Mr. Conductor explains to the Pteranodon kids that all creatures have their own part to play in an ecosystem. This resource teaches students that all organisms in an ecosystem are connected, and the difference between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. [1:33]

In this video, students learn about lemon sharks and how their grazing habits help keep mangrove ecosystems healthy. [3:57]

Find an array of environmental and science-based lesson plans, activities and ideas from the EPA, other federal agencies, and external organizations.