SC15.ES.6 | ALEX

Science (2015) Grade(s): 09-12 - Environmental Science

Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information

Cause and Effect; Systems and System Models

Students know:

Biodiversity is increased by the formation of new species (speciation) and decreased by the loss of species (extinction).
Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity.
Anthropogenic (caused by humans) changes in the environment can disrupt an ecosystem and threaten the survival of some species.
Examples of human activities that may adversely affect biodiversity and genetic variation of organisms include but are not limited to: overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and introduction of invasive species.
Knowledge of the various formats to communicate scientific information (e.g., oral, graphical, textual, and mathematical).

Students are able to:

Evaluate scientific and/or technical information from multiple credible sources about the effects of various human activities on biodiversity and genetic variation of organisms.
Synthesize evidence to describe how human activities, like overpopulation, urbanization, pollution, etc. affect biodiversity and genetic variation of organisms.
Communicate informative/explanatory conclusions through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.

Students understand that:

Changes in the physical environment can be created by naturally occurring events or may be human induced. Regardless of the cause, these changes may have contributed to the expansion of some species, the emergence of new and distinct species and the decline, and the possible extinction, of some species.
Biodiversity is increased by the formation of new species and decreased by the loss of species.
Humans depend on the living world for the resources and other benefits provided by biodiversity. But human activity is also having adverse impacts on biodiversity through overpopulation, overexploitation, habitat destruction, pollution, introduction of invasive species, and climate change.
Sustaining biodiversity so that the functioning of an ecosystem can be maintained is essential to supporting and enhancing life on Earth. Sustaining biodiversity also aids humanity by preserving landscapes of recreational or inspirational value.