Module: The Co-Evolution of Earth’s Surface and Life
DCI: ESS2.E The many dynamic and delicate feedbacks between the
biosphere and other Earth systems cause a continual co-evolution of Earth’s
surface and the life that exists on it.
PE: HS-ESS2-7 Construct an argument based on evidence about the
simultaneous co-evolution of Earth’s systems and life on Earth.
[Clarification
Statement: Emphasis is on the dynamic causes, effects, and feedbacks between
the biosphere and Earth’s other systems, whereby geoscience factors control the
evolution of life, which in turn continuously alters Earth’s surface. Examples
of include how photosynthetic life altered the atmosphere through the
production of oxygen, which in turn increased weathering rates and allowed for
the evolution of animal life; how microbial life on land increased the
formation of soil, which in turn allowed for the evolution of land plants; or
how the evolution of corals created reefs that altered patterns of erosion and
deposition along coastlines and provided habitats for the evolution of new life
forms.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include a comprehensive
understanding of the mechanisms of how the biosphere interacts with all of
Earth’s other systems.]
The content associated with this standard is as follows.
- There are many feedbacks between the biosphere and other Earth systems.
- Because of the feedbacks, the evolution of live and changes to the surface of the Earth are interrelated.
- Students need to be able to use evidence to support the claims above.
EXAMPLES:
- photosynthesis changed the atmosphere of the Earth
- changes in the atmosphere altered weathering
- microbes made soil
- soil allowed plants to live on land
- coral reefs alter coastline erosion
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