5 - LS2.A(B) - Basic Needs - FINAL (WND 1/9/2014)

DCI: LS2.A (B) Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems – Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met.

PE: 5-LS2-1 Develop a model to describe the movement of matter among plants, animals, decomposers, and the environment.

The REST of the standard J

The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plants parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil. Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem. (5-LS2-1)

[Clarifcation Statement: Emphasis is on the idea that matter that is not food (air, water, decomposed materials in soil) is changed by plants into matter that is food. Examples of systems could include organisms, ecosystems, and the Earth.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include molecular explanations.]

The ideas we see in this standard are: 

- organisms have particular needs 

- the survival of individual organisms is directly dependent on their environments

 - organisms can only survive if their particular needs are met

Because this is only one part of  a larger standard, the PE does not offer us that much guidance.  In order to address this portion of the DCI, we will stick to examples of the relationship between an organisms needs and what its environment offers. This is only partly related to the movement of matter among plants, animals, etc.  (We can work this angle when we talk about food availability). 

Possible Question Starters: 

"A table listing characteristics of four distinct environments is provided. 

Environment	Soil pH	Yearly Rainfall (cm)	Average Temperature (°C)
1	4.8	<1	0 - 10
2	6.5	2-6	10 - 30
3	7.3	4-8	12 - 18
4	5.2	1-3	5 - 20

Which of the environments would provide the best chances of survival for an organism with the following needs? 

• pH - between 5.0-7.5
• rainfall - between 5-7 cm per year
• average temperature - between 20-25

"The distribution of the Koala habitat is provided: 

Which of the following is the best explanation for this distribution of Koalas?"

correct answer - the needs of the koalas can only be met in these areas

incorrect answer - humans have relocated koalas to these areas so they can be together