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= Dynamic Ecosystems! = On completion of this unit the students should be able to design, conduct and report on a field investigation related to the interactions between living things and their environment, and explain how ecosystems change over time.


 * AREA OF STUDY 2**

With an emphasis on Australian ecosystems, this area of study focuses on the complex and finely balanced relationships that exist between living things and the resources in their particular habitat. This network of relationships can be understood as a system with inputs, processing and outputs: there is a flow of energy and cycling of matter between the living and non-living components of the ecosystem. Ecosystems do not exist in isolation from each other; they form a network of ecosystems that constitute the global system of the biosphere. Students examine how ecosystems are subject to changes that differ in scope, intensity and regularity. They investigate how human activities such as habitat destruction, resource use and disposal of wastes, affect not only the ecological niche that individual species occupy, but the functioning of ecosystems at local and global levels. Students undertake practical investigations into interactions between members of the same and different species and between organisms and their non-living environment. They examine the effect on ecosystems of historical practices, and investigate emerging techniques and technologies that help to monitor and maintain them. Students consider the issues and implications associated with human activities that affect the sustainability of ecosystems.

On completion of this unit the student should be able to design, conduct and report on a field investigation related to the interactions between living things and their environment, and explain how ecosystems change over time. To achieve this outcome the student will draw on the key knowledge outlined in area of study 2, and key skills listed on page 12.
 * Outcome 2**

This knowledge includes • components of ecosystems: communities of living organisms, ecological groupings; ecological niche; • relationships between organisms: feeding including parasite/host, predator/prey, of mutual benefit including mutualism and symbiosis; • flow of energy: inputs and outputs of the system; productivity; trophic levels and trophic efficiency; • cycling of matter: principle of exchange between living and non-living components of the ecosystem, including inputs and outputs; biogeochemical systems including those of water, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen; bioaccumulation; • population dynamics: carrying capacity of ecosystems; factors affecting distribution and abundance of organisms including birth and death rates, migration; • change to ecosystems over time – scope and intensity of regular and irregular natural changes; succession – human activity and the sustainability of ecosystems – historical practices of indigenous peoples and settlers; • techniques for monitoring and maintaining ecosystems.
 * Key knowledge**

The award of satisfactory completion for a unit is based on a decision that the student has demonstrated achievement of the set of outcomes specified for the unit. This decision will be based on the teacher’s assessment of the student’s overall performance on assessment tasks designated for the unit. The key knowledge for each outcome and key skills listed on page 12 should be used as a guide to course design and the development of learning activities. The key knowledge and skills do not constitute a checklist and such an approach is not necessary or desirable for determining the achievement of outcomes. The elements of key knowledge and skills should not be assessed separately. Assessment tasks must be a part of the regular teaching and learning program and must not unduly add to the workload associated with that program. They must be completed mainly in class and within a limited timeframe. Teachers should select a variety of assessment tasks for their assessment program to reflect the key knowledge and skills being assessed and to provide for different learning styles. For this unit students are required to demonstrate achievement of the two outcomes. As a set these outcomes encompass both areas of study.
 * ASSESSMENT**