five8b4.htm

Science Curriculum Preview Committee Clarification of Learning Results

Revised 04/08/04

5-8

B4: Generate examples of the variety of ways that organism interact (e.g., competition, predator/prey, parasitism/mutualism).

Curriculum Organizing Questions

What are some of the ways that species within this ecosystem compete with other species?

What are some of the ways that species within this ecosystem compete with other members of the same species?

What are some of the roles that this organism takes within this ecosystem?

Which organisms benefit one another in this ecosystem?

Which organisms in this ecosystem could be considered parasites?

Which organisms in this ecosystem are absolutely necessary for another species survival?

Which organisms are predators in this ecosystem?

Elaboration
Every species is linked, directly or indirectly, to every other in an ecosystem. There are a number of ways in which organisms can interact; students should start to move from specific examples toward a more systematic view of the kinds of interactions between organisms.

Specific Ideas

Every species is linked to the others (either directly or indirectly) in an ecosystem. SFAA p. 64

Some species depend so closely on one another that neither could survive without the other. SFAA p. 65

Predators have offensive tools, such as claws, fangs, etc. They kill other organisms for food. SFAA p. 64

Organisms that are prey have defensive tools such as camouflage, spines, fast running speed, etc. so that they can avoid being killed by predators. SFAA p. 64

Parasites get nourishment from their host organisms. Sometimes this has bad consequences for the host. SFAA p. 65

Some organisms have relationships that benefit both organisms; this is called mutualism. SFAA p. 65

Some organisms have relationships where one organism benefits and the other is not helped nor harmed; this is called commensalism. Benchmarks 5D2

Organisms within an ecosystem are in constant competition for the scarce resources within it. Some of theses resources are food, water, nesting sites, mates, or light. SFAA p. 65

Organisms within an ecosystem interact with members of their own species and members of other species. Benchmarks 5D2

Developmental & Instructional Implications
If asked about relationships between organisms teachers are likely to hear responses based on everyday experiences, rather than on scientific explanations. Teachers should use the students' understanding as a basis to develop the scientific understanding.

Examples

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Curriculum Organizing Questions	What are some of the ways that species within this ecosystem compete with other species? What are some of the ways that species within this ecosystem compete with other members of the same species? What are some of the roles that this organism takes within this ecosystem? Which organisms benefit one another in this ecosystem? Which organisms in this ecosystem could be considered parasites? Which organisms in this ecosystem are absolutely necessary for another species survival? Which organisms are predators in this ecosystem?
Elaboration	Every species is linked, directly or indirectly, to every other in an ecosystem. There are a number of ways in which organisms can interact; students should start to move from specific examples toward a more systematic view of the kinds of interactions between organisms.
Specific Ideas	Every species is linked to the others (either directly or indirectly) in an ecosystem. SFAA p. 64 Some species depend so closely on one another that neither could survive without the other. SFAA p. 65 Predators have offensive tools, such as claws, fangs, etc. They kill other organisms for food. SFAA p. 64 Organisms that are prey have defensive tools such as camouflage, spines, fast running speed, etc. so that they can avoid being killed by predators. SFAA p. 64 Parasites get nourishment from their host organisms. Sometimes this has bad consequences for the host. SFAA p. 65 Some organisms have relationships that benefit both organisms; this is called mutualism. SFAA p. 65 Some organisms have relationships where one organism benefits and the other is not helped nor harmed; this is called commensalism. Benchmarks 5D2 Organisms within an ecosystem are in constant competition for the scarce resources within it. Some of theses resources are food, water, nesting sites, mates, or light. SFAA p. 65 Organisms within an ecosystem interact with members of their own species and members of other species. Benchmarks 5D2
Developmental & Instructional Implications	If asked about relationships between organisms teachers are likely to hear responses based on everyday experiences, rather than on scientific explanations. Teachers should use the students' understanding as a basis to develop the scientific understanding.
Examples