Explain how specific adaptations can help organisms survive in their environment.

Explain that ecosystems change over time due to natural and/ or human influences.

Describe the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers within a local ecosystem.

Describe the relationships between biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem.

• Compare and contrast different biomes and their characteristics
• Describe symbiotic and predator/prey relationships

Explain the flow of energy within an ecosystem.

•  Compare and contrast the flow of energy between organisms in different habitats.
•  Explain the concept of trophic levels.

Explain how biological diversity relates to the viability of ecosystems.

• Compare and contrast monoculture with diverse ecosystems.
• Explain how biological diversity relates to the ability of an ecosystem to adapt to change.
• Explain how an adaptation is an inherited, structure, function, or behavior that helps an organism survive and reproduce.

Analyze the significance of biological diversity in an ecosystem. 

• Explain how species adapt to limiting factors in an ecosystem.
• Analyze the differences between natural causes and human causes of extinction. 
• Research wildlife management laws and their effects on biodiversity.

Explain how freshwater organisms are adapted to their environment. 

• Explain the life cycles of organisms in a freshwater environment

Determine the circumstances that cause humans to identify an organism as a pest.