Biomagnification in the Great Lakes ecosystems
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g912/
greatlakes.html
A lesson plan for Grades 9–12 Biology
About this resource
- Appropriate grades
- 9–12
- Subjects
- science (biology and life science, environmental science)
- Provider
- National Geographic
Legal
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Industrial pollutants (such as certain heavy metals and organic agents found in pesticides) often become concentrated in creatures near the top of the food chain. This process, called biomagnification, can produce health problems for animals in an ecosystem — even humans! This lesson will focus on biomagnification as it relates to the ecosystems of the Great Lakes region in the mid-western United States.
North Carolina Curriculum Alignment
Science (2005)
Grades 9–12 — Biology
- Goal 5: The learner will develop an understanding of the ecological relationships among organisms.
- Objective 5.01: Investigate and analyze the interrelationships among organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
- Techniques of field ecology.
- Abiotic and biotic factors.
- Carrying capacity.
- Objective 5.02: Analyze the flow of energy and the cycling of matter in the ecosystem.
- Relationship of the carbon cycle to photosynthesis and respiration.
- Trophic levels - direction and efficiency of energy transfer.
- Objective 5.01: Investigate and analyze the interrelationships among organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems.
