Stage 6 Biology - Ecosystem Dynamics

Students investigate the diversity of life on a rock platform.

Students will undertake wildlife observation with reference to field guides and identification APPS.

About this excursion

Students will use an inquiry leaning model to investigate the population dynamics of local ecosystems and determine relationships between biotic and abiotic factors. The future of ecosystems will also be examined with discussions of management options and the perspective of stakeholders.

Learning Intentions and Success Criteria

We are learning to:

identify impacts of biotic and abiotic factors on the organisms living on the rock platform.

We can:

identify organisms living in the rock platform and their respective adaptations. (Adaptations to life on a rock platform)
collect data and create a species area curve to represent species diversity on the rock platform. (Species richness activity)
describe the impact of both abiotic and biotic factors on the distribution of species on the rock platform. (Abiotic and biotic activity)
name some traditional uses of this area by Aboriginal Peoples.
identify some human impacts on this environment and possible solutions.
create a food web showing the interaction between organisms on the rock platform. (Food web activity)
identify the distribution of organisms across the intertidal zone on the rock platform and why this occurs. (Species distribution activity)
identify some sampling techniques to conduct scientific investigations.

Learning Experiences

Working Scientifically

Field work activities include:

use of transects and quadrats to measure distribution and abundance of plants and animals
wildlife observation with reference to field guides and identification APPS
measurement of physical and chemical abiotic factors
observations of predation, competition and symbiotic relationships amongst local species
practical observations and discussion of adaptations of plant and animal species
discussion of environmental pressures that promote a change in species diversity and abundance

Adaptations to Life on a Rock Platform

Students investigate the diversity of life on a rock platform and identify key features such as feeding, attachment and shape.

Distribution and abundance of target species

A species area curve will be used to determine ‘how many’ samples (replicates) are required to achieve a satisfactory representation of a given ecosystem. Students will then use transects and quadrats to survey species distribution from high to low zones.

Abiotic Factors and species diversity in micro-habitats

Investigating abiotic factors (temperature, pH and salinity) and species assemblages between different habitats.

Important information

Location

Bateau Bay

Cost

Visit our Bookings page to find all the latest pricing details for our current programs.

Key syllabus outcomes

Biology Stage 6 Syllabus (2025)

❀ BI-11/12WS-01 Working Scientifically Questioning and predicting develops and evaluates questions and hypotheses for scientific investigations

❀ BI-11/12WS-02 Working Scientifically Planning scientific investigations designs and evaluates scientific investigations

❀ BI-11/12WS-03 Working Scientifically Conducting scientific investigations conducts scientific investigations to collect data and information

❀ BI-11/12WS-04 Working Scientifically Processing data and information selects and processes qualitative and quantitative data and information

❀ BI-11/12WS-05 Working Scientifically Analysing data and information analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information

❀ BI-11/12WS-06 Working Scientifically Problem-solving uses scientific processes to solve scientific problems

❀ BI-11/12WS-07 Working Scientifically Communicating communicates scientific arguments using evidence, scientific language and terminology for a specific audience

❀ BI-11-03 analyses the relationships between organisms and their environment using the theory of evolution by natural selection

❀ BI-12-03 analyses changes in ecosystems and strategies for biodiversity conservation

More information

Additional Resources

Upon booking, you will receive our full program resources along with the relevant Risk Assessments.

Program Brochure

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