Introduction to ecosystems and other ecological concepts.
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Introduction to ecosystems and other ecological concepts.
A free CK-12 account is required to view all materials.
Introduction to ecosystems and other ecological concepts.
A free CK-12 account is required to view all materials.
Review ecology, the study of how living organisms interact with each other and their surrounding environment.
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]
In this Nature video, learn about the extraordinary impact that birds have on the agriculture of a small Indian community.
In this video, Paul Andersen explains how ecosystems respond to disruptions. Disruptions can cause changes in the number and variety of organisms. It can also lead to migration, extinction or even speciation. Ecosystems that have higher biodiversity are able to respond to large disruptions over time. [6:52]
Paul Andersen explains how ecosystems function. He begins with a description of how life on the planet is ordered from large to small in biomes, ecosystems, communities, population, and individuals. He describes the major terrestrial and aquatic biomes on the planet. [11:14]
Explains how energy flows in ecosystems. Energy enters via producers through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis. Producers and consumers release the energy from food through cellular respiration. An explanation of gross primary productivity and net primary productivity are included. [7:46]
How and why do organisms interact with their environment and what are the effects of these interactions? [8:13]
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 activity is a field investigation where students gather data on physical characteristics of the ecosystem surrounding their school.
This activity is a field investigation where students gather data on physical changes of the ecosystem surrounding their school habitat.
In this interactive activity from Shedd Aquarium, build a fish and then release it into the reef to search for food and evade predators. Try different combinations and observe how each kind of fish has unique adaptations that help it survive in its habitat.
Meet an environmental researcher who discovered as a young child his interest in the environment and now works to improve natural ecosystems in southeastern Ohio.
In this video segment from NatureScene, explore Cartwheel Bay, a wetland in South Carolina, and learn about the variety of carnivorous plants native to this unique landform.
In this video adapted from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, learn about carnivorous plants that act as both producers and consumers in an ecosystem. See sundews and blatterworts capture and digest insects.
This site provides information on the different biomes of the Earth. There are links to related information and other topics.
In this video adapted from the Arctic Athabaskan Council, learn how warmer temperatures in the Arctic are transforming the landscape, triggering a host of effects such as permafrost thawing and insect infestations.
In this video [3:54] adapted from the Arctic Athabaskan Council, learn how warmer temperatures in the Arctic are transforming the landscape, triggering a host of effects such as permafrost thawing and insect infestations.