the living elements of an ecosystem (e.g. plants, animals)

the non-living elements of an ecosystem (e.g. water, nutrients)

the connections between different components of the environment, where each component depends on or influences the others

the transfer of water to the atmosphere through evaporation from surfaces and transpiration from plants

The interdependence of biotic and abiotic components in cold environments

Geography

Location and physical characteristics of cold environments

Plant and animal adaptations in cold environments

Development opportunities and challenges in Northern Canada

Value of cold environments

This unit teaches pupils about the location, characterisitics, opprtunities and challenges associated with one global environment, either hot deserts or cold environments. Pupils will also learn about plant and animal adaptation and about issues facing their chosen environment.

Hot desert and cold environments

The living organisms, such as plants and animals

What is the biotic component of an ecosystem?

How is soil an abiotic component in an ecosystem?

Why do cold environments have low biodiversity?

Water transferring to the atmosphere via evaporation and transpiration of plants

The freezing of water in cold environments

High amounts, similar to tropical rainforests

How much precipitation do cold environments typically receive?

By reflecting sunlight and reducing warming

How does ice and snow help regulate Earth’s temperature?

Which of the following is a large cold environment in Asia?

A food chain shows one energy path, while a food web shows multiple pathways

A food chain includes more organisms than a food web

A food web only shows plants, and a food chain shows animals

A food chain is more complex than a food web

What is the main difference between a food chain and a food web?

Tundra is slightly warmer and has some vegetation

What is the main difference between tundra and polar environments?

At high latitudes around the North and South Poles

The interdependence of biotic and abiotic components in cold environments

Lesson outcome