BIO 119 - Stream EcologyCredits: 1
Introduces the physical environmental factors that affect organisms inhabiting streams as well as the human influence. Emphasizes the energy flow through stream ecosystems along with the lifecycles and interdependencies of stream animals. Includes fieldwork on at least four different kinds of streams. Includes a weekend field trip with the student paying own expenses. Credit may be earned BIO 119 or BIO 219 but not both.
Prerequisite(s): READING LEVEL 2, WRITING LEVEL 2 AND MATH LEVEL 2.
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 15 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Natural Science
Pass/NoCredit: Yes
Outcomes and Objectives 1. Participate in the process of science.
A. Make observations.
B. Design experiments.
C. Conduct experiments.
D. Formulate and test hypotheses.
E. Collect data.
F. Analyze data.
G. Draw conclusions.
H. Report results.
I. Explain the evaluation and revision process of science.
2. Work collaboratively with classmates.
A. Participate in laboratory experiments and field activities with 1-3 classmates.
B. Share the work load of small group activities.
C. Share the responsibility of acquiring, cleaning and putting away laboratory and field equipment.
D. Share ideas and respectfully receive the ideas of classmates.
3. Demonstrate the competent use of common instruments and technology used in environmental investigation.
A. Use microscopes to view objects.
B. Use the metric system and typical devices to measure mass, length, volume, and temperature.
C. Follow directions provided with various kinds of scientific equipment.
D. Use a pH meter.
E. Use chemical tests and indicators to measure concentrations of specific chemicals.
4. Competently communicate about environmental topics.
A. Read critically.
B. Write effectively.
C. Listen actively.
D. Speak effectively.
E. Develop and interpret graphs and flow charts.
F. Compile a journal of observations and experiences related to field activities on rivers.
5. Demonstrate the ability to think critically.
A. Integrate concepts.
B. Solve problems.
C. Draw logical conclusions.
D. Make predictions based on evidence.
E. Identify trends and patterns.
F. Distinguish between simple correlation and cause-and-effect.
6. Demonstrate appropriate preparation to participate in outdoor field activities involving sampling and characterizing a stream.
A. Participate in field activities and use appropriate equipment to conduct the field activities.
B. Select appropriate clothing and equipment for a canoeing/camping outing in early fall.
C. Demonstrate safe and appropriate behavior while conducting field activities.
D. Use keys and resource books to identify organisms typically found in streams.
E. Measure and characterize physical environmental characteristics of streams.
F. Report the results of outdoor studies conducted during the class.
7. Describe how living organisms, non-living matter, and energy are interconnected.
A. Identify the abiotic and biotic factors in an aquatic ecosystem.
B. Describe the niche concept.
C. Describe predator-prey, parasite-host, competitive, mutualistic, and commensalistic
D. Describe the role of producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, scavenger, parasite, and decomposer in an aquatic ecosystem.
E. Describe energy flow in an aquatic ecosystem.
F. Relate the concept of food web and food chain to trophic levels.
G. Explain the cycling of nutrients, such as nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorous, through a stream ecosystem.
H. Describe the process of natural selection as it operates to refine the fit between an organism and its stream habitat.
I. Recognize that all organisms have an impact on their surroundings.
8. Compare streams of different quality.
A. Identify organisms typically found in polluted streams and contrast them with organisms typical of unpolluted streams.
B. Identify physical environmental conditions typical of polluted streams and contrast them with environmental conditions typical of unpolluted
streams.
C. Relate biodiversity to stream quality.
9. Characterize the abiotic and biotic characteristics of a stream.
A. Describe ways in which stream ecosystems differ from terrestrial ecosystems in terms of the dominant insect groups, the source of new
organic matter, and the role of decomposers, herbivores, and carnivores.
B. Describe how land use patterns influence the nature of a stream.
C. Describe the role flow rate, oxygen concentration, substrate, temperature, clarity, and dissolved and suspended solids influence the kinds
of organisms present.
D. Describe methods used by various kinds of stream insects to capture food.
E. Describe the life cycles of stream insects.
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