Unit One: Biology - The Study of Life

Suggested Time Allowance in Class Periods:

1.1 THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD

1.1.1 Biology

1.1.2 Scientific Method

1.1.3 Experimentation

Definition and examples of the areas of study incorporated in biology.

Process of the scientific method.

Principles of experimentation.

1.2 THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LIFE

1.2.1 A Search for a Definition of Life

1.2.2 Definition of Life

1.2.3 Characteristics of Life

General outline of the diversity of living organisms. The common features and behaviours that identify them with the term "living".

Definition of the terms "metabolism" and "continuity of life".

Definition of the term "life".

Definition and identification of the "characteristics of life" through the fundamental principles and interactions of organisation, nutrition, excretion, response, and reproduction.

1.3 NUTRITION

1.3.1 Function of Food

1.3.2 Chemical Elements

1.3.3 Biomolecular Structures

1.3.4 Biomolecular Sources and the Components of Food

1.3.5 Energy Transfer Reactions

1.3.6 Structural Role of Biomolecules

1.3.7 Metabolic Role of Biomolecules

1.3.8 Minerals

1.3.9 Water

Explanation, in simple terms, of the need for food.

Identification of the elements present in food: six common elements, (C, H, N, O, P, S), five elements present in dissolved salts (Na, Mg, C1, K, Ca) and three trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn).

Combination of elements in different ratios to form simple biomolecular units, e.g. carbohydrates Cx(H2O)y.

Carbohydrate, fat and oil (lipid), protein and vitamin: their basic element components, biomolecular components and sources. Vitamins: one water-soluble and one fat-soluble vitamin.

Definition of "anabolic" and "catabolic" reaction pathways.

Photosynthesis as an example of an anabolic reaction sequence. Respiration as an example of a catabolic reaction sequence.

Carbohydrate ­ e.g. cellulose as a component of cell walls. Protein ­ e.g. fibrous proteins ­ as keratin in hair and skin, myosin in muscles. Lipid, e.g. component of cell membranes.

Carbohydrates and lipids as primary sources of energy for metabolic activity.

Proteins as enzymes.

Hormones as regulators of metabolic activity.

Vitamins ­ e.g. C and D for tissue growth, cell production and health maintenance.

Disorders associated with deficiency of a water-soluble and a fat-soluble vitamin.

Requirement and use of any two minerals present in dissolved salts or in trace amounts in: - plants - animals.

Importance of water for organisms.

1.4 GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ECOLOGY

1.4.1 Ecology

1.4.2 Ecosystem

1.4.3 Biosphere

1.4.4 Habitat

1.4.5 Environmental Factors

1.4.6 Energy Flow

1.4.7 Niche

1.4.8 Nutrient Recycling

1.4.9 Human Impact on an Ecosystem

H.1.4.10 Pyramid of Numbers (Extended Study)

H.1.4.11 Ecological Relationships

H.1.4.12 Population Dynamics

Definition of "ecology".

Definition and diversity of "ecosystems".

Explanation of the term "biosphere".

Definition of "habitat".

Definition and examples of the following as applied to terrestrial and aquatic environments: - abiotic factors - biotic factors - climatic factors.

Definition and examples of edaphic factors as applied to terrestrial environments.

The sun as the primary source of energy for our planet. Feeding as a pathway of energy flow. Development of grazing food chain, food web and pyramid of numbers (explanation, construction, and use).

Explanation of the term "niche".

Nutrient recycling by organisms: definition. Outline of the Carbon Cycle and the Nitrogen Cycle. (Names of micro-organisms are not required).

"Pollution" ­ definition, areas of effect, its control. Study the effects of any one pollutant.

Definition of "conservation".

"Waste management" ­ problems associated with waste disposal. Importance of waste minimisation.

Limitation of use.

Inference of pyramid shape.

Factors that control populations. Definition and one example of the following control factors:

• competition
• predation
• parasitism
• symbiosis.

Outline of the contributory factors or variables in predator and prey relationships.

Pollution: the ecological impact of one human activity.

Outline of any one practice from one of the following areas: agriculture, fisheries, or forestry.

Role of micro-organisms in waste management and pollution control.

The effect on the human population of:

• war
• famine
• contraception
• disease.

1.5 A STUDY OF AN ECOSYSTEM

1.5.1 Broad overview of a selected Ecosystem

1.5.2 Observation and Scientific Study of a Selected Ecoystem

1.5.3 Organism Distribution

1.5.4 Choice of Habitat

1.5.5 Organism Adaptations

1.5.6 Organism Role in Energy Transfer

1.5.7 Analysis

* Emphasis in this special study should be placed on the techniques of fieldwork and the recording and analysis of collected data.

General overview of the diversity of life forms in an ecosystem.

Identification of a number of habitats from the selected ecosystem.

Identification and application of collection apparatus available for an ecological study.

Distinction between qualitative and quantitative surveys of a selected ecosystem for plants and animals. Familiarisation with frequency and percentage cover techniques available.

Relationship between an organism's suitability to its habitat and abiotic factors, to include any three of the following: pH, temperature (air and ground or aquatic), light intensity, water current, air current, dissolved oxygen, mineral content, percentage air in soil, percentage water in soil, percentage humus, salinity, degree of exposure, and slope.

Necessity for structural, competitive or behavioural adaptation by organisms.

Identification of the role of the organism in energy transfer.

Necessity for analysis and assessment of results obtained.

Select and visit one ecosystem.

Broad overview of the selected ecosystem.

Identify any five fauna and any five flora using simple keys. Identify a variety of habitats within the selected ecosystem.

Identify and use various apparatus required for collection methods in an ecological study.

Conduct a quantitative study of plants and animals of a sample area of the selected ecosystem. Transfer results to tables, diagrams, graphs, histograms, or any other relevant mode. Identify possible sources of error in such a study.

Investigate any three abiotic factors present in the selected ecosystem, as listed. Relate results to choice of habitat selected by each organism identified in this study.

Note an adaptation feature by any organism in the selected ecosystem.

From the information obtained in this study construct food chains, a food web, and a pyramid of numbers.

Prepare a brief report of the results obtained.