Module 10 - Life Science: Diversity of Life

Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4 : : Activity 5

Activity 5:  Guiding Questions and Competence Builder

Answer the following questions using information gained through the readings, Thinkwell, CourseCompass, and websites. Enter answers and thoughts on the topics in your notebook.

1. How does Linnaean classification differ from cladistic classification?
2. Explain the characteristics of each of the three domains of life.
3. Write out the full scientific name for a dog, starting with domain and ending with species.
4. Why are viruses not included in one of the domains of classification?
5. Make a list of examples that describe how ecology can be studied at different levels; individual, population, community, ecosystem.
6. Why is a food web a more accurate representation of the ecological relationships in a community than a food chain?
7. Compare the impact on the food chain of eliminating large sections of rainforest or a single species of carnivore.
8. Trace the flow of energy from the sun through living organisms.
9. How do the different layers of water determine the plants and animals that live there?
10. Think of abiotic items that play a significant role in ecosystems. What would be the impact if one or all of these factors are removed?

Competence Builder

• Go to the Natural Science Learning Community and click on the message thread “Ecosystems”.  Post a message describing your thoughts on how humans impact the ecosystem.
•  Read through the posts under the “Ecosystem” message thread and respond to one message.