Grade Five, Goal 1

Plants and Animals

Competency Goal 1: The learner will conduct investigations to build an understanding of the interdependence of plants and animals.

Objectives

1.01 Describe and compare several common ecosystems (communities of organisms and their interaction with the environment).

1.02 Identify and analyze the functions of organisms within the population of the ecosystem:

• Producers.
• Consumers.
• Decomposers.

1.03 Explain why an ecosystem can support a variety of organisms.

1.04 Discuss and determine the role of light, temperature, and soil composition in an ecosystem's capacity to support life.

1.05 Determine the interaction of organisms within an ecosystem.

1.06 Explain and evaluate some ways that humans affect ecosystems.

• Habitat reduction due to development.
• Pollutants.
• Increased nutrients.

1.07 Determine how materials are recycled in nature.

Image from Photoessay by Tina Stuart Spring 2006

© Appalachian State University
Science Education On-line
Dr. Leslie Bradbury and Mr. Jeff Goodman