Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence forthe effects ofresource availability on organisms and populations of organisms in an ecosystem.[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on cause and effect relationships between resources and growth of individual organisms and the numbers of organisms in ecosystems during periods of abundant and scarce resources.]
Construct an explanation that predictspatterns ofinteractions among organisms across multiple ecosystems.[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on predicting consistent patterns of interactions in different ecosystems in terms of the relationships among and between organisms and abiotic components of ecosystems. Examples of types of interactions could include competitive, predatory, and mutually beneficial.]
Unit(s)
Task(s)
Assessment(s)
MS-LS2-3.
Develop a model to describethe cycling of matter and flow of energyamong living and nonliving parts of an ecosystem.[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on describing the conservation of matter and flow of energy into and out of various ecosystems, and on defining the boundaries of the system.] [Assessment Boundary: Assessment does not include the use of chemical reactions to describe the processes.]
Construct an argument supported by empirical evidence thatchanges tophysical or biological components of an ecosystem affect populations.[Clarification Statement: Emphasis is on recognizing patterns in data and making warranted inferences about changes in populations, and on evaluating empirical evidence supporting arguments about changes to ecosystems.]
MS-LS2-5.
Evaluate competing design solutions for maintainingbiodiversity and ecosystem services.* [Clarification Statement: Examples of ecosystem services could include water purification, nutrient recycling, and prevention of soil erosion. Examples of design solution constraints could include scientific, economic, and social considerations.]