Introduction

Module 15 – Ecosystems and Biomes

Introduction

We began our work in this course looking at the smallest units of matter (as a reminder, matter is anything that has mass and takes up space). In this module, you should be able to apply everything we have discussed so far to your study of the ecosystem (“a community of organisms and the physical environment with which they interact”) and biomes. One topic within this module that I would like for you to consider is global climate change 1 .

Learning Outcomes

This module addresses the following Course Learning Outcomes listed in the Syllabus for this course:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of biological principles.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of scientific method.
  • Communicate scientific ideas through oral or written assignments.
  • Interpret scientific models such as formulas, graphs and tables.
  • Demonstrate problem solving methods in situations that are encountered outside of the classroom 1 .

Module Objectives

Upon completion of this module, the student will be able to:

  • Define ecosystem and biomes.
  • Describe how energy flows through the ecosystem.
  • Explore Earth’s physical environment.
  • Define climate.
  • Describe global climate change, the evidence for global climate change, and the effects of global climate change.
  • Identify Earth’s biomes.
  • Describe aquatic ecosystems 1 .