What YOU will do…

Activity 2.1

Determine if the following statements about the earth, a FACT or a

BLUFF…

1. The Earth was once believed to be the center of the

. BLUFF
universe

2. Earth is the densest planet in the

system.
solarFACT

3. The gravity between the Earth and the Moon causes the tides on Earth. FACT

4. The rotation of the Earth is gradually slowing down. FACT

5. Earth’s atmosphere is composed of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, and trace amounts of other gases
including argon and carbon dioxide. FACT

6. The large amount of oxygen on Earth comes from our plant life’s consumption of carbon dioxide
during photosynthesis. FACT

7. Earth has a very powerful magnetic field. FACT

8. The Earth has an Ozone Layer which protects it from harmful solar radiation. FACT

9. 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water. FACT

10. The first life on Earth developed in the oceans through a process called abiogenesis or biopoiesis.
BLUFF

11. Earth’s water was initially trapped within the planet. Over time the Earth’s water was brought to the
surface by the planet’s volcanic activity. BLUFF

12. Earth has relatively few visible impact craters compared with other solid bodies in our solar system.
FACT

13. The highest point found on Earth is Mount Everest which reaches a height of 8.8 km. FACT

14. The lowest point on Earth is called Challenger Deep and at 10.9 km below sea level, it is further than
the peak of Mount Everest. FACT

15. Earth has one of the most circular orbits of all the eight planets. Its axis of rotation is tilted 23.4°
away from the perpendicular of its orbital plane, which produces the seasons we experience. FACT

16. A year on Earth lasts just over 365 days. It is actually 1/4 of a day over 365 days which is why we
have a leap year every four years. FACT
What YOU will do…
Activity 2.2
What YOU will do…
Activity 2.3

Using the illustration below, identify and describe the major

components of the ecosystem.

The Major Components Of The Ecosystem

of all its living members.
1. Abiotic (non -living) includes soil, water, atmosphere , and
all other non -living elements. It is physical rather than
biological and is not derived from living organisms.

2. Biotic factors are living things within an ecosystem that are

capable of reproduction. Examples of biotic factors include
animals, plants, fungi, and other similar organisms.
What YOU will do…
Activity 2.4

Living in the Extremes of the Biosphere

Purpose: In this activity you’ll describe what you think it might be like for humans to live in the extremes
of the biosphere. Think about the challenges associated with living either underwater or in the upper

atmosphere. Also, think about what humans might have to endure if the
biosphere of Earth becomes inhospitable.

Process: Humans live in a “comfort zone” close to the surface of the Earth, but there are many species
that live outside of this comfort zone. What makes these regions different from the comfort zone we live
in? What challenges would humans face if they chose – or were forced – to live in the extremes of the
biosphere?

Study the image of the biosphere below, and then make a list of three challenges that humans
would face if they lived in the extremes of the biosphere.

The three challenges that humans would face if they lived in the extremes of the biosphere are:
1. Humans finds difficulty to survive because we humans must have food, water, air, and shelter to
survive. If any one of these basic needs is not met, then humans cannot survive.

2. Living in the biosphere’s extremes will probably result in human extinction because we require a
balanced lifestyle to survive. We
humans cannot live only in bodies of water the same through with heights. And the human
body also has a limit to how much cold or heat it can tolerate. In addition, early mortality is the
eventual result if humans live at the biosphere’s extremes.

3. If humans live at the extremes of the biosphere, such as in bodies of water or high habitats, we will
be placed in a scenario that

favors the fittest, or one in which only the strongest people or

things survive or succeed, while the others die or fail. In a situation where either you
must eat something to survive, or another species must eat you to survive.
What YOU will do…
Activity 2.5

Applications of Ecological Concepts and Principles

So, you have learned from this lesson the important key concepts of
ecosystem and ecological principles. Now, YOU are tasked to give
examples of applications of these ecological concepts and principles in
order to conserve biodiversity.

Biodiversity Can Be C onserved By:

1. Preventing the cutting of trees.

2. Putting a ban on hunting of animals.
3. Efficient utilization of natural resources.
4. Protected areas should be developed for animals where no
human activities are allowed.
5. Support local farms and respect local habitats.
6. Maintaining habitat is fundamental to conserving species.

Follow this link for your reference:

http://www.biodiversitybc.org/assets/pressReleases/BB
CPrinciplesWEB.pd
f

Ecological Pyramids
What YOU will do…
Activity 2.6
1. Identify the types of pyramids shown below and describe briefly each.
2. What does each type of pyramid represent in an ecosystem?
• A pyramid of numbers shows the total number of individual organisms at each level in the food
chain of an ecosystem.
• A biomass pyramid is the representation of total living biomass or organic matter present at
different trophic levels in an ecosystem.
• An energy pyramid, also known as a trophic or ecological pyramid, is a graphical representation
of the energy found within the trophic levels of an ecosystem.

3. Define biomass, biomagnification, trophic level, saprotrophs, autotrophs, and heterotrophs.

1. Biomass, in ecological terms, is the sum total mass of living organisms

such as plants and animals in a specific unit of area or volume of habitat.

2. Biomagnification refers to the condition where the chemical concentration in an organism exceeds the
concentration of its food when the major exposure route occurs from the organism’s diet.
3. At the trophic level, any of the sequential stages in a food chain is occupied by producers at the bottom
and, in turn, by primary, secondary, and tertiary consumers.
4. A saprotroph, also called a saprophyte or saprobe, is an organism that feeds on nonliving organic
matter known as detritus at a microscopic level.
5. An organism that can manufacture food on its own by utilizing
chemicals, light, water, or carbon dioxide is known as an autotroph.

Autotrophs, which make their own nourishment, are frequently

referred to as producers.
6. A heterotroph is an organism that consumes other plants or animals to obtain energy and nutrients.

4. What is the importance of ecological pyramid?

• The importance of ecological pyramids is that they show the feeding of different organisms in
different ecosystems. And it demonstrates how effectively energy is transferred. The condition of the
ecosystem can be monitored, and any further damage can be prevented.
 Pyramid of Number

A pyramid of numbers shows the total

number of individual organisms at each
level in the food chain of an ecosystem.

Pyramid of Biomass
A

biomass pyramid is the representation of

total living biomass or organic matter
present at different trophic levels in an
ecosystem.

Pyramid of Energy

An energy pyramid, also known as a trophic or

ecological pyramid, is a graphical representation
of the energy found within the trophic levels of an
ecosystem.