Biology Year 11 - Module 4 - Lesson 11
Comparing Ecosystems — Abiotic and Biotic Differences
1. Key Ideas
The Great Barrier Reef hosts over 1,600 fish species across 2,300 kilometres of coastline. The Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica, by contrast, supports some of the most productive plankton blooms on Earth — yet far fewer species. Why does high productivity not always mean high biodiversity? The answer lies in how abiotic conditions shape the relationships between organisms, determining which species can survive, compete, and cooperate in each environment.
- Key facts and terms for Comparing Ecosystems — Abiotic and Biotic Differences
- How the main ideas in Comparing Ecosystems — Abiotic and Biotic Differences connect
2. Success Criteria
By the end, you should be able to:
- Key facts and terms for Comparing Ecosystems — Abiotic and Biotic Differences
- Where this lesson fits in Module 4
- How the main ideas in Comparing Ecosystems — Abiotic and Biotic Differences connect
3. Key Terms
4. Activity: Build the Lesson Map
Use the lesson to complete the table. Keep answers brief but specific.
| Prompt | Your answer |
|---|---|
| Main concept | |
| Important example | |
| Common mistake to avoid | |
| How this links to the next lesson |
5. Short Answer Questions
1. Q1. A tropical rainforest and a semi-arid desert receive vastly different amounts of rainfall. Predict how this difference would affect: (a) the number of species living in each ecosystem, (b) the type of competition most common in each, and (c) the importance of mutualistic relationships such as pollination and mycorrhizae.
2. Q2. The waters around Antarctica are extremely cold but nutrient-rich, supporting enormous phytoplankton blooms. The Great Barrier Reef is warm but nutrient-poor. Predict which ecosystem would have higher biodiversity and explain your reasoning.
3. Q1. A tropical rainforest and a semi-arid desert receive vastly different amounts of rainfall. Predict how this difference would affect: (a) the number of species living in each ecosystem, (b) the type of competition most common in each, and (c) the importance of mutualistic relationships such as pollination and mycorrhizae.
6. Extend: Apply the Idea
A student gives a memorised answer about Comparing Ecosystems — Abiotic and Biotic Differences but does not use evidence or reasoning.
Improve the answer by writing a stronger response that uses accurate terminology, a relevant example and a clear explanation.
7. Multiple Choice
1. What is the best first step when answering a question about Comparing Ecosystems — Abiotic and Biotic Differences?
A. Identify the key concept being tested
B. Write every fact from memory
C. Ignore the command word
D. Skip examples and evidence
2. Which answer would show stronger understanding of Comparing Ecosystems — Abiotic and Biotic Differences?
A. An answer with accurate terms and reasoning
B. A copied definition only
C. A single-word response
D. An answer with no example
3. What should you do if a question asks you to explain?
A. Link the idea to a reason or cause
B. List unrelated facts
C. Only draw a diagram
D. Write the shortest possible answer
8. Success Criteria Proof
Finish with evidence that you can do each success criterion.