SNC 1D/1P – Biology

The Sustainability of Ecosystems – Ecosystems and Human Activity

Students work in groups to study, describe and compare several forest communities as they hike a 5 km section of the Grand Valley Trail (Alps Hills). Our objective is to find the oldest, most mature, piece of the Alps Hills Forest.  Along the way students measure/describe several biotic and abiotic variables, providing first-hand experience with the function and form of terrestrial ecosystems.  At the end of this activity students should be able to describe the characteristics of mature forest in Waterloo Region and the local challenges in preserving it.

Key Concepts discussed:

• Comparing disturbed and natural ecosystems
• Influence of biotic and abiotic factors
• Ecosystem change
• Cycling of matter
• Trophic levels
• Community structure

 

Quick Links:

(2) SNC 1P Ecology – Schedule

*Pick one of the following handouts.  The second is designed to resemble the Ontario Ecological Land Classification System, using many of the same terms, methods and concepts that a practicing ecologist be expect to know.

(3) SNC 1P-1D Terrestrial Ecology – Handout 2016.2

(3) SNC 1P-1D Terrestrial Ecology (ELC) – Handout 2017