Life Science Grade 10 PDF
Life Science Grade 10 PDF
Collection Editor:
Siyavula
Siyavula: Life Sciences Grade 10
Collection Editor:
Siyavula
Authors:
Online:
< http://cnx.org/content/col11369/1.2/ >
CONNEXIONS
• Life Sciences is the scientic study of living things from molecular level to their interactions with one
another and their environments.
• Life Sciences is the study of Life at various levels of organisation and comprises a variety of sub-
disciplines, or specialisations, such as :
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Microbiology
• Genetics
• Zoology
• Botany
• Entomology
• Physiology (plant and animal)
• Anatomy (plant and animal)
• Morphology ( )
• Taxonomy ( )
Environmental Studies
• Sociobiology (animal behaviour
• Scientists continue to explore the unknown. Why is the climate changing? What is making the universe
expand? What causes the Earth's magnetic eld to change? What, exactly, is the human mind? No-one
knows for sure.
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• To create a greater awareness of the ways in which biotechnology and knowledge of Life Sciences have
beneted humankind.
• To show the ways in which humans have impacted negatively on the environment and organisms living
in it.
• To develop a deep appreciation of the unique diversity of biomes In Southern Africa, both past and
present, and the importance of conservation.
• To create an awareness of what it means to be a responsible citizen in terms of the environment and
life-style choices that they make.
• To create an awareness of the contributions of South African scientists
• To expose you to the range and scope of biological studies to stimulate interest in and create awareness
of possible specialisations
• to provide sucient background for further studies and careers in one or more of the biological sub-
disciplines
Ever wondered what you can do with Life Sciences after school? Well here are some careers which you could
study further for:
• Agronomist someone who works to improve the quality and production of crops
• Animal scientist a researcher in selecting, breeding, feeding and managing of domestic animals, such
as cows, sheep and pigs
• Biochemist someone who specializes in the chemical composition and behaviour of living things and
help with work in nding cures for diseases, for example.
• Botanist someone who studies plants and their interaction with the environment
• Developmental biologist studies the development of an animal from the fertilized egg through to birth
• Ecologist a person who looks at the relationships between organisms and their environment
• Food Scientist someone who studies the biological, chemical and physical nature of food to ensure it
is safely produced, preserved and stored, and they also investigate how to make food more nutritious
and avourful.
• Geneticist a researcher who studies inheritance and conducts experiments to investigate the causes
and possible cures of inherited genetic disorders and how traits are passed on from one generation to
the next.
• Horticulturalist a person who works in orchards and with garden plants and they aim to improve
growing and culturing methods for home owners, communities and public areas.
• Marine biologist a researcher who studies the relationships between plants and animals in the ocean
and how they function and develop. They also investigate ways to minimize human impact on the
ocean and its eects, such as over shing and pollution.
• Medical illustrator someone who illustrates and draws parts of the human body to be used in text-
books, publications and presentations.
• Microbiologist a researcher who studies microscopic organisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae and
yeast and looks at how these organisms aect animals and plants.
• Nutritionist someone who gives advice to individuals or groups on good nutritional practices to either
maintain or improve their health.
• Paleontologist a reasreacher who studies fossils of plants and animals to trace and reconstruct evo-
lution, prehistoric environments and past life.
• Pharmacologist a scientist who develops new or improved drugs or medicines and conducts experi-
ments to test the eects of drugs and any undesirable side eects.
• Physiologist a researcher who studies the internal functions animals and plants during normal and
abnormal conditions.
• Science teacher someone who helps students in dierent areas of science, whether it is at primary
3
school, high school or university.
• Science writer someone who writes and reports about scientic issues, new discoveries or researcher,
or health concerns for newspapers, magazines, books, television and radio.
• Zoologist a researcher who studies the behaviour, interactions, origins and life processes of dierent
animal groups.
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Chapter 1
level
1
1.1 The Chemistry of Life
Molecules for lifeAll matter around us, living and non-living (biotic and abiotic) is made up of tiny building
blocks called atoms. An atom is the smallest particle of an element and when two or more atoms combine,
a molecule is formed. For example, a molecule of oxygen is formed from two oxygen atoms: O + O =
O2.Compounds are molecules that have atoms of two or more elements. An example is water, which has two
hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom: 2H + O = H2O.
Here is a video that explains the concept of chemical compounds: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-
HjMoTthEZ0Molecules and compounds are the building blocks that make up a cell which is the basic unit
of life.The most important elements found in living organisms:
Carbon Iron = FeCarbon = CHydrogen = HOxygen = ONitrogen = NPhosphorus = PSodium =
NaPotassium = KCalcium = CaSulfur = SIodine = IIron = FeMagnesium - Mg
The important compounds found in cells are carbohydrates, lipids (fats), proteins, nucleic acids and
water.
Chemical compounds can be divided into two groups:
• inorganic molecules
• organic molecules
Inorganic compounds
• these do not contain carbon, e.g. water and mineral salts.
• one exception is carbon dioxide, a gas that forms part of the atmosphere and is released during cellular
respiration.
1.1.1 Water
• Regulates the body temperature sweating cools the body because evaporation causes cooling.
• Important body constituent 65% of the body is composed of water.
• Transport medium e.g. water enables food to move along your alimentary canal; water transports
corpuscles and nutrients in the blood.
• Lubricating agent e.g. tear uid in the eyes; saliva in the mouth; vaginal uids.
• Solvent for biological chemicals i.e. substances dissolve in water.
1 This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m41327/1.1/>.
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6 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
• Medium in which chemical reactions can occur e.g. in the cytoplasm of the cell.
• Hydrolysis reactions i.e. water is needed to break down large molecules into smaller molecules e.g.
during digestion of food.
Figure 1.1
Figure X. Illustration of water molecule: the Oxygen atom is in red and the Hydrogen atoms are white.
http://www.ickr.com/photos/fogonthedowns/3117758148/
Minerals
These are inorganic compounds that living organisms need in order to remain healthy. Minerals are
needed to take part in chemical reactions in life processes. Plants obtain their minerals from the soil.
Minerals can also be supplied to plants in the form of fertilisers. Animals get their mineral nutrients from
the food they eat. Dierent foods contain dierent mineral sources, e.g. dairy products such as milk and
cheese contain calcium.
Macroelements are nutrients that are required in large amounts
Microelements are nutrients that are required in minute quantities.
1.1.1.1 Minerals required by humans
Table of mineral nutrients required by humans
7
Figure 1.2
only be used in soils that lack nutrients. An example would be where crops are grown and regularly
harvested from the same soil. The soil then becomes overused and has fewer mineral nutrients
Poor farming practice leaches nutrients from the soil, therefore farmers use large amounts of fertilisers to
make up for reduced soil fertility. This excess fertiliser is washed into streams, rivers, lakes and oceans where
it starts a process called eutrophication.
• the abundant supply of nutrients causes rapid growth of algae
• the decomposition of the plants by bacteria decreases the concentration of oxygen in the water, which
leads to the death of animal life. See Figure below.
1.1.2
http://www.ickr.com/photos/48722974@N07/4859897047/
Figure exemplifying eutrophication in coastal water bodies. The process begins with excessive inputs of
nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphates into the system. These nutrients lead to a substantial increase in
primary production (e.g.algae) which eventually results in the transport of large amounts of organic material
to the sea bottom. As a result, oxygen use increases as organic material starts to decompose while upward
delivery of oxygen through the water column is limited by heat and/or salt water concentration dierences.
Bottom-dwelling organisms suocate and/or migrate to other areas. This is a negative impact of fertiliser
misuse on the environment. Credit: Pew Trusts
1.1.3 Organic Compounds
•consists of chains of carbon atoms
•always contain the elements of carbon (C), and hydrogen (H)
•many organic compounds contain oxygen (O)
•they may also contain elements such as nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P)
•over 90% of all known compounds are organic.
•carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats), nucleic acids and enzymes are all organic compounds that have
dierent functions in living organisms
• produced by living organisms (plants, animals and bacteria)
Figure 1.3
Figure 1.4
Figure X. Sunower seeds, cheese and meat products are some food examples that contain fats.
Cheese: http://www.ickr.com/photos/fetchcomms/4124861105/sizes/m/in/photostream/
Sunower seeds: http://www.ickr.com/photos/philhawksworth/5079811846/sizes/l/in/photostream/3
Meat: http://www.ickr.com/photos/fetchcomms/4124861105/sizes/m/in/photostream/
3 http://www.ickr.com/photos/philhawksworth/5079811846/sizes/l/in/photostream/
12 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
1.1.3.1.2 Properties
• Floats on top of water because it is less dense than water
• Does not mix with water: lipids are hydrophobic
• Saturated fats (e.g. animal fat) are solid at room temperature while monounsaturated / polyunsatu-
rated fats are liquids at room temperature
• Fats emulsify (break into tiny droplets) when mixed with an alkaline solution (like bile)
• Fats are soluble (dissolves) in alcohol
Figure 1.5
Figure X. Simple diagram of a phospholipid bilayer that forms part of the cell membrane.
Photo: http://www.texample.net/tikz/examples/lipid-vesicle/
1.1.3.2 Proteins
1.1.3.2.1 Structure of proteins
• Consists of the elements carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N) and sometimes phospho-
rus (P) and sulphur (S).
• The monomers (building blocks) of proteins are amino acids.
• More than three amino acids combine to form a polypeptide.
• More than 50 amino acids combine to form a protein.
• There are 20 dierent types of amino acids.
• The type of protein depends on . . .
Figure 1.6
together.
• Polysaccharides include starch (stored in plants), cellulose (forms
Figure 1.7
Potatoes: http://www.ickr.com/photos/fotoosvanrobin/3762764923/
Fruits: http://www.ickr.com/photos/malte_s/5019886730/
Milk: http://www.ickr.com/photos/striatic/131012552/
Maltose sugar: http://www.ickr.com/photos/fotoosvanrobin/2933442985/
Sugar cane: http://www.ickr.com/photos/tinyfroglet/5583775843/sizes/l/in/photostream/
1.1.3.3.3 Properties
•Mono & disaccharides are soluble (dissolve in) water.
•Polysaccharides are insoluble in water because they are very
large molecules.
5 http://library.thinkquest.org/11226/main/s07.htm
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1.1.3.3.4 Biological importance
• Most important source of energy (e.g. glucose)
• Important source of reserve energy (e.g. starch)
• Forms part of the DNA molecule (deoxyribose)
• Forms part of the RNA molecule (ribose)
• Forms part of the ATP (adenosine triphosphate) molecule which
is the most important energy carrier in the body.
• Glucose is soluble in water and thus aects the water potential of cells.
• Cellulose is an important component of plant cell walls and is a
Vitamin DFat soluble- Bone development rickets (in chil- oily shliveregg yolk
Withstands heat dren)osteomalacia
(adults)
Vitamin Efat soluble- Prevents oxidation of Sterility egg yolkvegetable oil-
withstands heat vit. A and unsaturated dairy
fatty acids
Table 1.3
• Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering the activation energy,
but is unaected by the reaction.
Properties of enzymes
• Enzymes are highly specic i.e. each of the thousands of chemical reactions in the body has their own
specic enzyme.
• Enzymes can be used over and over again.
• Enzymes are sensitive to temperature. They are inactive at low temperatures and denature (change
shape permanently) at high temperatures.
• Enzymes are sensitive to pH (degree of acidity) and denature in unfavourable pH mediums.
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Figure 1.8
1.2.6.3Functioning of enzymes
18 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
Figure 1.9
1. Catabolic enzyme reactions: A larger molecule is broken down by an enzyme into smaller molecules.
sucrase
E.g. Sucrose [U+F0E8] glucose + fructose
1. Anabolic enzyme reaction: Smaller molecules are combined by an enzyme to form larger molecules.
sucrase
E.g. Glucose + fructose [U+F0E8] sucrose
Enzymes in everyday life
The properties of enzymes to control reactions have been widely used for commercial purposes. Some of
these uses are listed below:
• biological washing powders contain enzymes such as lipase and protease which assist in the breakdown
of stains caused by foods, blood, fat or grease. These biological washing powders save energy as they
are eective at low temperatures.
• Meat tenderisers are enzymes which are obtained from fruits such as papaya or pineapple. The fruit
contains enzymes that break down proteins.
• Lactose free milk is manufactured primarily for people whom are lactose intolerant. Lactose intolerant
individuals lack the enzyme lactase that digests lactose (milk sugar). Lactose is pre-digested by adding
lactase to the milk.
Indigenous knowledge systems
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Figure 1.10
Figure. X. Aloe vera has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Aloe vera
contains many enzymes including carboxypeptidase which helps reduce inammation and pain.
Photo:http://www.ickr.com/photos/nagarazoku/31662791/sizes/o/in/photostream/6
Nucleic Acids
These are compounds that are found in all cells
Functions
• play an important role in controlling the structure and functions of the cell.
RNA DNA
RNA is found in the cell cytoplasm and on the ri- DNA is found in the nucleus
bosomes
continued on next page
6 http://www.ickr.com/photos/nagarazoku/31662791/sizes/o/in/photostream/
20 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
RNA plays a role in building the required ;proteins DNA stores the information from which amino acids
from the amino acids must be produced in each type of cell
Table 1.4
Figure 1.11
Figure X. Model of the DNA double helix structure where every ball represents a an atom and every
colour a dierent element. For interest: which element represents which colour?
Dna molecule: http://www.ickr.com/photos/ynse/542370154/sizes/z/in/photostream/7
Here is a video showing the structure of DNA:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8dk5iS1f0&feature=related8
SUMMARY OF KEY CONCEPTS : CHEMISTRY OF LIFE
1.Molecules for Life
• Organic molecules contain the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
• Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids (fats), nucleic acids and enzymes are organic compounds important for
living organisms.
7 http://www.ickr.com/photos/ynse/542370154/sizes/z/in/photostream/
8 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qy8dk5iS1f0&feature=related
21
• Inorganic compounds can contain combinations of elements, but do not generally contain hydrogen
and carbon together.
• Water is the most vital inorganic compound in living organisms.
2.Organic compounds
• The most important role of carbohydrates is to provide living organisms with a source of energy.
• Carbohydrates form structural components such as cell walls in plants.
• Monosaccharides are the simplest of carbohydrates (glucose and fructose)
• Disaccharides consist of two monosaccharides linked together.
• Polysaccharides are macromolecules which are polymers (many monomers), each monomer being a
glucose molecule.
• Lipids are formed when one glycerol molecule bonds, by condensation, with three fatty acid molecules.
• Lipids supply living organisms with energy as well as forming structural components (cell membranes).
• Proteins are made up of amino acids to form longs chains known as polypeptides.
• Proteins are important in the cell structure and function of organelles and cell membranes.
• Enzymes are protein compounds that act as catalysts speeding up chemical reactions.
• Enzymes are sensitive to pH and temperature.
• Explanation of the workings of enzymes using the lock-and-key method.
• DNA is found in the nucleus and RNA found in the cytoplasm.
• Nucleic acids are responsible for controlling a cell's structure and function.
• Vitamins are organic compounds essential for animals in small quantities to help maintain a healthy
body.
• A lack of vitamins in the diet may lead to various deciency diseases.
3.Inorganic compounds
• Water makes up 60% of the mass of cells and is essential for metabolic processes in both plants and
animals.
• Normal growth, development and function require inorganic compounds such as minerals.
• Macro and micro nutrients are need by plants and animals in large amounts or small amounts, respec-
tively.
• Animals obtain minerals from their diets.
• Plants absorb minerals through their roots from the soil.
• Eutrophication is cause by the overuse of inorganic fertilisers.
9
1.2 Cells - The Basic Units of Life
Figure 1.12
23
Figure 1.13
By grinding his own lenses Antonie van Leeuwenhoek was able to improve the magnication to over
200 times. Antonie van Leeuwenhoek is considered to be the father of microscopy and is credited with
bringing the microscope to the attention of biologists, even though simple magnifying lenses were already
being produced in the 16th century. He was the rst scientist to observe unicellular organisms under the
microscope, which he named "animalcules".
The rst electron microscope, which was invented by Leó Szilárd, was built in 1931 and was capable of
400x magnication
1.2.1.1.1 Discovery of Cells
A cell is the smallest unit that can carry out the processes of life and as such is the basic unit of all living
things
Using a light microscope, Theodor Schwann, a zoologist, and Matthias Jakob Schleiden, a botanist, rst
suggested in 1839 that cells were the basic unit of life. Later, in 1858, the German doctor Rudolf Virchow
observed that cells divide to produce more cells. He proposed that all cells arise only from other cells. The
collective observations of all three scientists form the cell theory.
The modern priniciples of cell theory state that:
• The cell is the more basic building block of all living organisms.
• All cells arise from pre-existing cells by cell division.
• All cells have the same basic chemical composition in organisms of similar species.
24 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
•Cells contain hereditary information (DNA) which is passed from cell to cell during cell division.
•Unicellular organisms are made up of one cell. Multicellular organisms are composed of multiple cells.
Follow the url below to view an interactive timeline of the history of cell theory and the role microscopes
played in in early cell theory :
http://www.tiki-toki.com/timeline/entry/11813/The-history-of-cell-theory/ (made by
katie - all images are attributed or public domain, the basic dates are from:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_microscope_technology10 )Types of microscopy
Figure 1.14
Need annotated image with functional description of dierent parts.Scanning electron microscope image:
A natural community of bacteria growing on a single grain of sand. The sand was collected from intertidal
sediment on a beach near Boston, MA in September 2008 and imaged using a Scanning Electron Microscope
(SEM).
26 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
Figure 1.15
(You are free to distribute this image while giving attribution in the following manner:"Image courtesy
of the Lewis Lab at Northeastern University. Image created by Anthony D'Onofrio, William H. Fowle, Eric
J. Stewart and Kim Lewis.")These pollen grains21 taken on an SEM show the characteristic depth of eld22
of SEMmicrographs23
21 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pollen_grain
22 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depth_of_eld
23 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micrograph
27
Figure 1.16
Figure 1.17
Figure 1.18
1. Nucleolus26
2. Nucleus27
3. Ribosome28
4. Vesicle29
5. Rough endoplasmic reticulum30
6. Golgi apparatus31 (or "Golgi body")
7. Cytoskeleton32
8. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum33
9. Mitochondrion34
10. Vacuole35
11. Cytosol36
12. Lysosome37
13. Centriole38
26 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nucleolus
27 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_nucleus
28 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ribosome
29 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vesicle_(biology)
30 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endoplasmic_reticulum#Rough_ER
31 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golgi_apparatus
32 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytoskeleton
33 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endoplasmic_reticulum#Smooth_ER
34 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrion
35 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vacuole
36 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytosol
37 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysosome
38 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centriole
30 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
1.2.1.1.8 Ribosomes
Ribosomes are small organelles which are the site of protein synthesis. While some ribosomes are attached
to the RER, others may be found in the cytoplasm.
1.2.1.1.9 Golgi Apparatus
The Golgi apparatus (also referred to as the Golgi body) is a large organelle that is made up of a stack of
membrane-covered disks called cisternae. The Golgi apparatus is responsible for the modication, sorting
and packaging if dierent substances for secretion out of the cell, or for use within the cell. The Golgi
apparatus is found close to the nucleus of the cell where it modies proteins that have been delivered in
transport vesicles from the RER.
Nucleus, ER and Golgi apparatus (http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nucleus_ER_golgi.jpg)
32 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
Figure 1.19
1. Nuclear membrane
2. Nuclear pore
3. Rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER)
4. Smooth endoplasmic reticulum (sER)
5. Ribosome attached to rER
6. Macromolecules
7. Transport vesicles
8. Golgi apparatus
9. Cis face of Golgi apparatus
10. Trans face of Golgi apparatus
11. Cisternae of Golgi apparatus
33
1.2.1.1.10 Structures unique to animal cells:
1.2.1.1.10.1 Vesicles
A vesicle is a small, membrane-bound spherical sac which facilitates the metabolism, transport and storage
of molecules. Many vesicles are made in the Golgi apparatus and the endoplasmic reticulum, or are made
from parts of the cell membrane. Vesicles can be classied by their contents and function.
• Transport vesicles transport molecules within the cell.
• Lysosomes are formed by the Golgi apparatus and contain powerful enzymes that can potentially
digest the cell. This compartmentalisation therefore protects the cell agains being digested by it's
own enzymes. Lysosomes play a role in protecting the cell by breaking down (digesting) harmful cell
products, invading organisms, waste materials, and cellular debris in the cell. Lysosomes also break
down cells that are ready to die, a process called autolysis.
• Peroxisomes are vesicles that use oxygen to break down toxic substances in the cell and are common in
the liver and the kidney. Peroxisomes are named for the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) that is produced
when they break down organic compounds. Hydrogen peroxide is toxic, and in turn is broken down
into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2) molecules.
34 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
Figure 1.20
1.2.1.1.10.3 Vacuoles
Vacuoles are membrane-bound, uid-lled organelles that occur in the cytoplasm of most plant cells. They
perform secretory, excretory, and storage functions. The uid inside the vacuole consists of water, mineral
salts, sugars and amino acids. Plants usually have one main vacuole referred to as the central vacuole, which
is responsible for maintaining the shape of the cell. If the vacuoles do not contain sucient uid, the pressure
exerted on the cell wall is diminished and eventually the plant will wilt. The selectively permeable single
membrane that surrounds the vacuole is called the tonoplast.
1.2.1.1.10.4 Cell Wall
The cell wall is a rigid non-living layer that is found outside the cell membrane and surrounds the cell. The
cell wall consists of cellulose, protein and other polysaccharides. The cell wall provides structural support
and protection. The cell wall is completely permeable to water and mineral salts. Pores in the cell wall,
called plasmodesmata, allow water and nutrients to move between cells. The cell wall also prevents the plant
35
cell from bursting when water enters the cell.
1.2.1.1.10.5 Plastids
Plastids are membrane-bound organelles in plant cells.
Interesting fact: Plastids contain their own DNA and some ribosomes, and scientists think that plastids
are descended from photosynthetic bacteria that allowed the rst eukaryotes to make oxygen.
The main types of plastids and their functions are:
• Chloroplasts are the site of photosynthesis. They produce sugar by utilizing light energy from the sun
and carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
• Chromoplasts make and store pigments that give petals and fruit their orange and yellow colors.
• Leucoplasts are responsible for storage of starch and are located in roots and non-photosynthetic tissues
of plants.
Figure 1.21
Figure 1.22
1.3.1.2 Phases
The cell cycle consists of four distinct phases: G53 154 phase55 , S phase56 (synthesis), G57 258 phase59
(collectively known as interphase60 ) and M phase61 (mitosis). M phase is itself composed of two tightly
coupled processes: mitosis, in which the cell's chromosomes62 are divided between the two daughter cells,
and cytokinesis63 , in which the cell's cytoplasm64 divides in half forming distinct cells. Activation of each
phase is dependent on the proper completion of the previous one. Cells that have temporarily or reversibly
stopped dividing are said to have entered a resting state called G65 066 phase67 .
Diagram - Schematic of the cell cycle. outer ring: I = Interphase68 , M = Mitosis69 ; inner ring: M =
Mitosis70 , G1 = Gap 171 , G2 = Gap 272 , S = Synthesis73 ; not in ring: G0 = Gap 0/Resting74 .[1]75
53 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G1_phase
54 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G1_phase
55 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G1_phase
56 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_phase
57 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G2_phase
58 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G2_phase
59 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G2_phase
60 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interphase
61 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitosis
62 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chromosomes
63 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytokinesis
64 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cytoplasm
65 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G0_phase
66 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G0_phase
67 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G0_phase
68 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interphase
69 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitosis
70 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitosis
71 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G1_phase
72 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G2_phase
73 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_phase
74 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G0_phase
75 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cell_cycle#cite_note-isbn0-87893-106-6-0
39
Figure 1.23
1.3.1.3.2 Prophase
• The chromatin (a protein that chromosomes are made of) condenses into chromosomes (human cells
have 46 chromosomes 23 from your father and 23 from your mother).
• The nuclear membrane disappears.
• The centriole splits and starts to move to opposite poles.
• Spindle threads form between the poles.
42 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
1.3.1.3.3 Metaphase
• Chromosomes lie on the equator of the cell.
• Unlike meiosis, homologous chromosomes are not side by side.
1.3.1.3.4 Anaphase
• The centromere splits.
• Each chromatid moves to opposite poles of the cell.
• Chromatids (now called daughter chromosomes) gather at opposite poles of the cell.
1.3.1.3.5 Telophase
A nuclear membrane forms around each of the daughter chromosomes that have gathered at the poles.
•
The cytoplasm then divides during a process called cytokinesis. Note cytokinesis is not a stage of
•
mitosis but the process of the cell splitting into two.
• In an animal cell an invagination or infolding will divide the cytoplasm.
• In a plant cell a cross wall divides the cytoplasm.
125
1.4 Unit_1.1_1.2_activities_assignments
GRADE 10
LIFE SCIENCES
Strand 1:Life at molecular, cellular and tissue level
Topic: Organelle Project
Date:_____________Name: _________________________
___________________________________________________________________
Task 1:Cell Organelles
You are required to compile a reported on one of the organelles you have studies in class, or any other
organelle you choose. Your report must include the following information.
Past
124 http://highered.mcgraw-hill.com/sites/0072495855/student_view0/chapter2/animation__how_the_cell_cycle_works.html
125 This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m41368/1.1/>.
43
• The discovery of the organelle
• All past understanding of the organelles structure and/or function that has now changed
• The importance of the discovery of the organelle to cell science
Present
• The presently understood structure and function of the organelle
• A 2-dimensional picture of the organelle showing all the relevant structures of the organelle
• An electron-microscope picture of the organelle showing the structure of the organelle
• An understanding of the importance of the organelle to human survival
• Future
The future of the organelle what remains to be discovered or fully understood?
Any important role of the organelle could potentially play with the development of future technology
(i.e. in industry or medicine).
• Any other additional information or interesting facts you wish to include.
Presentation:
Your research must be presented in a booklet format. It must be neatly yet creatively set out. It shou8ld
include a thorough and correctly structured bibliography.
You will be marked according to the attached rubric
Task 2
Diagrams of the cell are very well but they often give us the wrong impression about how complicated
cells really are. You are to do an assignment that will help you understand the complexity of cells.
1. You are to nd and submit a hard copy of 5 micrographs showing dierent cell organelles.
2. Of your ve, you must draw and label two so that you can demonstrate your drawing, labeling and
interpretive skill.
Pay close attention to the following:
• the organelles should each comfortably occupy an A5 page
• the organelles must each have a heading that includes the view, title and magnication.
• Drawings must follow the conventions you have learnt. One drawing must be the same size as the
micrograph, the other must be exactly half the size. Your drawing must have a correct scale line.
• You must state the source of your micrographs AND according to the Harvard convention.
• Marks will be awarded for neatness: present your work as a uniform set.
• Select your hardcopies well: they must be easily recognizable (i.e. YOU must know what they are)
and of high quality. Your images may be of the same organelle but ONLY if the images show some
signicant variation.
Marks : [30]
• follow instructions : size, quantity, etc (5)
• images: choice, quality, headings, referenced (10)
• drawing: accuracy, realism, scale, labeling etc (10)
• eort : neatness, professionalism (5)
Assessing Knowledge
Discovery of the organelle identied
Story of the discovery of the organelle discussed and understood
Future discoveries regarding the organelle discussed and understood
Interpreting Knowledge
Information on the present structure and function of the organelle discussed and understood
2d picture of organelle provided and suciently detailed
3d picture of organelle provided and suciently detailed
Micrograph of organelle provided and suciently detailed
Additional information supplied
Understanding of content in everyday life
The importance of the discovery of the organelle to science provided and understood
The possible future role of the organelle provided, understood and relevant
Exploring science in the past
Past theories/understanding of the organelle that have changed discussed
Communicating information
Referencing technique correct
Presentation neat
Presentation creative
Table 1.7
GRADE 10
LIFE SCIENCES
Strand 1:Life at molecular, cellular and tissue level
Topic: Vitamin Research Project
For humans to grow and be healthy, they require mineral salts and vitamins in addition to carbohydrates,
proteins and lipids.
Vitamins are organic substances required in minute amounts for normal growth and activity of the body.
They are obtained from natural food sources.
Minerals are inorganic substances produced when weak acids from soil organisms wear down rocks and
cause minerals to dissolve in soil moisture. They are absorbed by plants directly from the soil. Humans
obtain mineral salts from the digestion of plants or from eating animals that have eaten plants.
45
You are required to produce a TYPED POSTER presented on an A4 page.
GRADE 10
Life Science
Strand 1:Life at molecular, cellular and tissue level
Topic: Deciency Diseases and
Disorders
______________________________________________________________
Task 1
You are required to research ONE disorder/disease as indicated.
Anorexia nervosaGall stonesKwashiorkor
BulimianervosaGoutMarasmus
Hiatus herniaGoitrePellagra
Heartburn Gastric UlcerScurvy
Use keywords and short phrases to record your research, under the following headings:
Name of disease, description of symptoms of disease, cause, treatment.
(Include in your answer how it can be treated by nutrition, with home remedies, with medicines and/or
natural remedies)
Task 2
You are required to present a short oral to the class about the disease/disorder.
Task 3
You are required to take notes on FIVE of the diseases/disorders that you did not research yourself.
You will then have information on 6 diseases/disorders two of which must be Marasmus and Kwashiorkor.
These will be your notes for this section.
GRADE 10
Life Science
Strand 1:Life at molecular, cellular and tissue level
Topic: Practical Activity : Construct a model of a simple
molecule
__________________________________________________________________
You are required to construct a model of the water molecule.
Water is an inorganic compound which is made up of two elements, hydrogen and
oxygen. Each water molecule has to hydrogen atoms joined to one oxygen atom.
What you need:
• tooth picks
• jelly tots or polystyrene balls (colour the polystyrene balls dierent colours for the hydrogen and oxygen
molecules)
• glue
Method
1.Choose a jelly tot or polystyrene to represent the hydrogen molecules
2.Choose a dierent colour of jelly tot or polystyrene to represent the oxygen
molecules.
3.Attach the hydrogen to the oxygen using a tooth pick to illustrate the bonds between the molecules.
GRADE 10
Life Science
Strand 1:Life at molecular, cellular and tissue level
Topic: Practical Activity : Food Test
___________________________________________________________________
1.Tests for presence of reducing sugars
What you need:
47
• two heat-resistant test tubes in a test tube rack
• 10 ml syringe or measuring cylinder
• 4 ml Benedicts solution
• 2ml milk
• 2 ml fruit juice
• water bath or beakers with hot water (+ 500C)
Method
• label the test tubes A and B
• add 2ml of milk to test tube A
• add 2ml fruit juice to test tube B
• add 2ml of Benedicts solution to each test
• gently shake the test to mix the test sample with the Benedicts solution
• Place the test tubes into the water bath or beaker with the hot water
Observation
• A precipitate forms indicating the presence of reducing sugars.
• The precipitate colour varies from yellow-green to brick red
• Low concentration of reducing sugar will have a yellow-green colour
• Higher concentration of reducing sugar will have a brick red colour
Method
• place a piece of potato or bread in the petri dish
• using the dropper add a few drops of iodine solution onto the potato or bread
Observation
• the iodine turns blue black in the presence of starch
Method
• label the test tubes A and B
• add 2ml of peanut butter or margarine to test tube A
• add 2ml jam or a piece of biscuit to test tube B
48 CHAPTER 1. LIFE AT THE MOLECULAR, CELLUAR AND TISSUE LEVEL
•carefully pour 2ml of ethanol into each test tube using(ethanol will dissolve any fat molecules in the
samples)
• using the dropper place a small drop of each of the solutions onto a sheet of lter paper
• allow the ethanol to evaporate
Observation
• Hold the paper in front of a window and observe if the sample has left a translucent mark (grease
spot).
• If a grease spot is present on the lter paper, then the sample contains lipids
Method
• homogenise or mash the beans in some distilled water.
• label the test tubes A and B
• add 2ml of mil to test tube A and 2ml of your other sample to test tube B
• using the dropper carefully add a few drops of biuret reagent to each test tube and swirl the tubes
gently to mix the contents
Observation
• observe for any colour change
• biuret reagent changes from blue to pink/purple in the presence of proteins.
Method
• label the test tubes A and B
• using the syringe or measuring cylinder pour 2 ml water into test tube A and 2ml of hydrogen peroxide
into test tube B
• carefully place a small piece of chicken liver into each test tube. (The chicken liver should be submerged
in the water/hydrogen peroxide)
49
Observation
• observe the reaction
• write down a hypothesis for this investigation
• explain why to test tubes with dierent solutions were used
• repeat the experiment using cooked chicken liver
• briey discuss what you think happened when using the cooked chicken liver.
GRADE 10
Life Science
Strand 1:Life at molecular, cellular and tissue level
Topic: Interpreting information in food packaging
The table below shows some of the nutritional information found on the box of a
breakfast cereal. It lists the nutrients in one 40g serving of cereal.
1
2.1 Support and transport systems in plants
51
52 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
2.1.1 Anatomy of plantsPlants are made up of roots, stems, leaves and owers.
The function of the root is to hold the plant rmly in the ground as well as to
absorb water from the soil. The function of the stem is to transport the food
made by the leaf to the rest of the plant as well as to hold the plant upright.
The main function of the leaves is to photosynthesise (make food).
Figure 2.1
• Most of the water passes along the cell walls of the parenchyma cells by diusion.
• Some of the water passes from the vacuole of one parenchyma cell to the vacuole of the next cell by
osmosis.
• The water must pass through the Casparian strips of the endodermis to enter the xylem.
• Once water is in the xylem of the root, it will pass up the xylem of the stem.
Transpiration and movement of water: http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/l abbench
/lab9/xylem.html
This website shows a diagram of how water moves up through the plant.
http://www.neok12.com/Plants.htm2
This video shows plant transport and provides some interactive quiz games.
Investigation: Water uptake by roots
2 http://www.neok12.com/Plants.htm
54 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
• An axillary bud is often found at the node. These forms lateral branches.
• A terminal bud is found at the tip of the stem and allows the stem to increase in length.
Figure 2.2
Diagram of xylem
• Three forces are responsible for the movement of water up the xylem capillarity, root pressure and
transpiration suction force.
• Capillarity involves forces of cohesion (forces of attraction between water molecules) and adhesion
(forces of attraction between water molecules and the sides of the xylem vessels). Because the xylem's
lumen (opening) is so tiny, water will move up by capillary.
• Root pressure is a force that pushes water up the xylem. As water enters the root by osmosis, it pushes
the water that is already in the xylem of the stem upwards.
• Transpiration suction force is a very important force that pulls water up the xylem of the stem. As
water evaporates from the stomata of the leaves during transpiration, it creates a sucking force that
will pull the water up the xylem.
Investigation: plant tissue anatomy (root and stem)
Investigation: water uptake by stem
2.1.3.3 Secondary growth
• Every growing season the stem of a plant increases in width this is known as secondary thickening.
• Towards the end of the rst year of growth, the parenchyma cells between the vascular bundles become
meristematic and link up with the cambium tissue to form a cambium ring.
• The cells in the cambium ring start dividing to form secondary phloem (on the outside) and secondary
xylem (on the inside).
• Each year another ring of secondary phloem and secondary xylem is formed, making the stem grow
wider.
http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookplantanat.html4
This website provides information on plant structure and support.
Investigation: Tree rings
This diagram shows the process of secondary thickening in stems
4 http://www.emc.maricopa.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/biobookplantanat.html
56 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
This interactive website explains transpiration pull. Plants use the process of transpiration pull to move
water from the soil up into the leaves.
• Water moves from the xylem of the stem to the xylem of the leaves. The xylem is found in the veins
of the leaf.
• Water diuses from the xylem of the leaf into surrounding mesophyll cells.
• Water circulates amongst the cells of the leaf to supply them with their water requirements.
• Excess water diuses into the sub-stomatal air spaces.
• Heat from the environment causes the water in the sub-stomatal air spaces to evaporate out of the
stomata. This process is called transpiration.
• Transpiration is therefore dened as the loss of water vapour from the leaves of a plant.
• Transpiration only occurs during the day when the stomata are open. At night the stomata are closed.
Phloem tissue is made up of two dierent types of cells which are sieve tubes and companion cells. Sieve
tubes are the main conducting cells. These cells look like a sieve and phloem sap moves from cell to cell
though the phloem walls. Unlike cells of the xylem, sieve tubes are alive at functional maturity, but do
not have nuclei. Companion cells have nuclei and are closely associated with sieve tubes. Companion cells
support the sieve tubes . The cytoplasm of sieve tubes and companion cells is connected through numerous
pores called plasmodesmata. These pores allow the companion cells to regulate the content and activity
of the sieve tube cytoplasm. The companion cells also help load the sieve tube with sugar and the other
metabolic products that they transport throughout the plant.
9
2.2 Unit 2.1 Investigation 1 - Anatomy of plant tissue
2.2.1.2 Method
1. Cut a very thin slice (cross section) from the middle of the celery stem or the carrot root.
2. Place this section on a glass slide.
3. Cover the specimen with iodine solution in order to stain it. This makes it more visible under the
microscope. The specimen can also be placed on a drop of water if iodine is not available.
4. Cover the specimen by carefully lowering the cover slip onto it with a dissecting needle or tweezers.
Take care not to trap any air bubbles.
This link gives information about making a wet mount microscope slide and shows an instructional video.
http://www.microbehunter.com/2010/08/13/making-a-wet-mount-microscope-slide/
Call your teacher.
1. Switch on the microscope making sure the lowest objective is in position (the 4x objective).
2. Place your slide on the stage.
3. Focus the image under the 4x objective (lowest objective) and view the structure of the celery stem.
Switch to the 10x objective to look a little more closely. To see amazing details of the structure of
plant tissue, use the 40x objective and the slide, carefully observing all of the parts and dierent cells.
4. Once you are able to see cells,
Call your teacher.
1. Make a biological drawing of your specimen as viewed under the microscope. Take note of the magni-
cation and draw a scale bar. Label your diagram according to the tissues you have learnt about.
9 This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m41332/1.1/>.
59
2.2.1.3 Variation:
Be creative and try using your favourite vegetables! Which vegetables are roots, stems and leaves?
Figure 2.3
60 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Figure 2.4
Place the sample in the centre of the slide. Add a drop of iodine or water on top of the sample. Place
the cover slip next to the droplet as shown in the diagram.
Lower the coverslip into place with tweezers. As you lower the coverslip downwards, the drop will spread
outward and suspend the sample between the slide and the coverslip.
(Diagrams from http://www.ehow.com/how_5164819_prepare-wet-mount-slide.html)
10
2.3 Unit 2.1 Investigation 3 - Water uptake by the stem
1. Put one half of the stem into the jar containing plain water and one half of the stem into the jar
containing food colouring dye. To make it easier to insert the stalks without breaking them, it helps
to wedge paper underneath the jars so that you can tilt them towards each other. Tape the jars or
cylinders down onto a tray so that they do not fall over.
2. Observe the owers after a few hours and the next day, and note where the dye ends up in the
owerhead. You can leave the owers up to a week but be sure to make sure that they have enough
water.
Variation: Instead of using one cylinder with water and one with food dye, use two dierent colour food dyes
(e.g. blue and red). At rst the ower will show two separate colours, but as time goes by the whole ower
will show both dyes. This is because water can move sideways between xylem vessels through openings along
their length. The ability of water to move sideways between vessels is useful for when air becomes trapped in
a vessel, causing a blockage. If you cut the stem right up to the base of the ower, this will limit movement
between the xylem vessels.
Variation: Try using celery stalks with leaves. Cut open the celery stalk (cross-section) and you will see
that the little holes inside are coloured these are the vessels.
An example of this experiment with photographs can be found at:
http://www.practicalbiology.org/areas/intermediate/cells-to-systems/transport-in-plants/investigating-
transport-systems-in-a-owering-plant,70,EXP.html11
12
2.4 Unit 2.1 Investigation 5 - Transpiration rate
2.4.1.2 Method
2.4.1.2.1 Perform the following steps under water
1. Cut the stem of the leafy shoot under water.
2. Test to make sure the stem of the leafy twig will t snug tightly into the top of the straw.
3. Remove the leafy shoot from the straw and set aside.
4. Fill the straw with water. Place your nger over one end of the straw to stop the water from running
out.
5. Put the leafy shoot into the open end and seal it with play dough while removing it from water (KEEP
FINGER ON THE STRAW!)
2.4.1.3 Results
1. Draw a table and record the class' results.
2. Plot a bar graph to compare the distances the water moved in the dierent straws.
2.4.1.4 Discussion
1. Why is it important to cut the stem under water?
2. What does the water movement in the straw indicate?
3. Which four external environmental factors are you investigating?
4. Under which condition is water loss from the leaf the greatest?
2.4.1.5 Conclusion
1. What can you conclude from this investigation?
2. Give two ways in which you can improve your experimental results.
More information about potometer experiments can be found on the following websites:
http://www.practicalbiology.org/areas/advanced/exchange-of-materials/transpiration-in-
plants/measuring-rate-of-water-uptake-by-a-plant-shoot-using-a-potometer,62,EXP.html13
http://www.practicalbiology.org/areas/advanced/exchange-of-materials/transpiration-in-plants/14
13 http://www.practicalbiology.org/areas/advanced/exchange-of-materials/transpiration-in-plants/measuring-rate-of-water-
uptake-by-a-plant-shoot-using-a-potometer,62,EXP.html
14 http://www.practicalbiology.org/areas/advanced/exchange-of-materials/transpiration-in-plants/
63
15
2.5 Unit 2.2 Investigation 1 - Tree rings
2.5.1 Investigation - Observing annual rings in a cut tree to assess age and
climatic conditions
Every year a tree forms a new layer of xylem around the trunk. This forms tree rings, which are visible as
circles in a cross section of a tree that has been cut down. Each tree ring, or wood layer, consists of two
colours of wood; light wood that grows in spring and summer and dark wood that grows in autumn and
winter. Tree rings can be counted to give you a rough estimation of the age of a tree. Occasionally a tree
will form many rings in one year or miss forming rings in a year. In order to get an accurate estimation of
the age of a tree it is better to look at trees with at least 30 rings. The width of tree rings is greater in years
where good growing conditions occur. In years with droughts or low temperatures, the trees will produce
smaller rings. Therefore, by looking at the tree rings you can get an idea of the weather aecting a tree in
a particular year. Scientists can use this information to help determine the weather patterns of the past as
well as events such as forest res, earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. The study of past events using the
growth rings of trees is known as dendrochronology (dendros = tree, chronos = time).
1. Find a cut or fallen tree, and count the tree rings, starting with the innermost ring. Measure the width
of each ring using a ruler, or make a note of whether a ring is narrow or wide. Make a note of any
scars caused by events such as res or pests.
1. Draw a bar graph showing the width of your tree rings for every year of the tree's life.
2. How old is your tree? What can you say about the climatic conditions throughout the life of your tree?
http://www.classzone.com/books/earth_science/terc/content/investigations/es2905/es2905page01.cfm16
This is a link to an online tutorial about counting tree rings.
http://www.arborday.org/kids/carly/lifeofatree/17
This is a link to a great cartoon video about the dierent tissue layers in trees (xylem, phloem, etc) and
the formation of tree rings.
18
2.6 Skeletons
2.6.1.1.1 Overview
• Plants have an internal skeleton that consists of strengthening tissue xylem and sclerenchyma.
• Animals are able to move from one point to another to look for food, shelter and mates.
• The simplest invertebrates have specialised cells and tissues to assist them to move to and from stimuli.
• Structure and support in the body is important for movement.
2.6.1.1.2
Hydrostatic skeleton
• The uid skeleton lls a cavity in the centre of the animal called the coelom
• Enclosed by the muscles of the body wall
• The uid presses against the muscles, that contract against the pressure of the uid
• So, a combination of the pressure of the uid and the contracting muscles, maintains the shape of the
animal and allows for movement
• If the body is segmented the pressure of the uid is localised in a few segments at a time.
Advantages:
• not rigid
• allow the animal to move in a more exible manner
• uid cavity stimulates circulation in the animal
Disadvantages:
• dehydration will aect the skeleton directly and the ability of the animal to move because of the loss
of shape
• does NOT provide protection for the internal organs
2.6.1.1.3
Exoskeleton
• This is a hard outer shell e.g.: insects
• The skeleton is made of a substance called chitin, secreted by the epidermis
• The head and thorax make up the exoskeleton
• The abdomen is soft and attached to the thorax
• The exoskeleton acts as a hard outer covering to animals and is made up of a series of plates or tubes.
Advantages:
• forms the point of attachment of internal muscles needed for locomotion and ight
• supports and protects the delicate inner parts of the animal
• prevents desiccation (drying out) on land
• has a low density and is therefore lightweight, to allow for ight
Disadvantages:
• nal body size is limited because as the body size increases, the surface area to volume ratio decreases
• growth is restricted, so periodic moulting is required if the animal is to grow
• very vulnerable when it is in the moulting process, as it cannot move until the exoskeleton is dry
65
2.6.1.1.4
Endoskeleton
This skeleton is found inside the body and can consist of bone (vertebrates) or cartilage (sharks).
Advantages:
• Endoskeletons consist of living tissue - so it is able to grow steadily within the animal
• the skeleton is jointed which allows for movement and support
• muscles attach directly to the skeletal bones to allow for movement and support
• vital organs are protected by bone cavities like the ribcage and the pelvic girdle
Disadvantages:
• Lack of mineral elements like calcium and phosphates will cause brittle bones and aect movement
and support
. Lack of vitamin D in the diet results in a condition/disease caused rickets. A disease characterised by
bowed legs.
Figure: Human Skeleton
66 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Figure 2.5
67
Available: http://www.clisnotes.com/WileyCDA/ClisReviewTopic/Skeletons-in-
Animals.topicArticleId-8741,articleId-8716.html
2.6.1.2 Overview:
• Humans have an internal skeleton made of bone, cartilage and connective tissue.
• Functions of the human skeleton:
• Flat bones have two layers of compact bone covering a layer of spongy bone on the inside, for example
the shoulder blades.
• Irregular bones and short bones have a thin layer of compact bone covering spongy bone on the inside,
for example vertebrae of the spine and the small bones in the hands and feet.
Tissue of the Skeleton
• Bone Tissue
• Cartillage
Figure 2.6
19
2.7 Human Locomotion and Muscles
2.7.2.1.2 Joints = place in your body where two bones are connected
2.7.2.1.2.1 Three type of joints
Fibrous joints. Synovial joints
2.7.2.1.2.2 1) Fibrous joints
• join bones where no movement is allowed
• for example the bones of the cranium.
2) Cartilaginous joints allows slight, restricted movement for example the discs between the vertebrae of the
spine
2.7.2.1.2.3 3) Synovial joints
• Allow free movement in one or more directions to the joints of the pelvic and pectoral girdles.
• These joints facilitate movements like standing, sitting, walking and running.
20 https://webmail.sun.ac.za/owa/redir.aspx?C=458683a32cd84d20a8a5aee95b5173ca&URL=https%3A%2F%2Fsiteproxy.ruqli.workers.dev%3A443%2Fhttp%2Fcommons.wikimedia.org%2Fwiki%
21 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-ozRNVhGVg&feature=related
22 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscle_contraction
23 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tissue_%28biology%29
71
2.7.3.3.3 Cardiac muscle
• Responsible for your heart beat ( muscle only found in the heart)
• Only found in the walls of the heart
• Structure
· branched and contains intercalated disks
· Carry message in each cell for heart contraction
Column A Column B
A) Attached to skeleton by tendons 1) Cardiac muscle
B) Seen in bundles 2) Blood vesels
C) They make up muscle bers 3) Muscles
D) Spindle shaped structure 4) movement
E) Causes the pumping action of the heart. 5) muscle bres
F) smooth muscles are found here 6) Fasciculus
G) spesialised tissue 7) myobrils
H) contraction and relaxation 8) voluntary muscles
I) bundles surrounded by perimysium 9) epimysium
J) Numerous fasciculi are surrounded by 10) Involuntary muscle
Table 2.1
</problem></exercise>
2.7.6.1
Your skull is made up of fused bones which acts like a hard protective helmet for your brain.
26
2.8 Dissection of Heart
Figure 2.7
Equipment:
Table 2.2
TOTAL
1.EXTERNAL
(a)How would you describe the general shape of the heart?(1)
_________________________________________________________
(b)Note the grooves on the surface of the heart. In which direction do they run.
What do you observe in these grooves.
_________________________________________________________(3)
(c)Identify the atria and ventricles. How do they dier from each other in
appearance. What dierence do you notice between the atria and ventricles.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
26 This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m41376/1.1/>.
74 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
_________________________________________________________(4)
2.If the venae cavae are suciently long, insert a funnel into the superior vena cava
and tie o the inferior vena cava with a piece of cotton. When water is added through
the superior vena cave into the right atrium:
(a)What happens to the wall of the right ventricle?
_________________________________________________________(1)
(b)Press the right ventricle. What do you observe?
_________________________________________________________(2)
(c)Release the pressure. What happens?
_________________________________________________________(2)
(d)Now press the left ventricle a few times. What do you notice?
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________(2)
(e)Now attach funnel to one of the pulmonary veins and tie o the others
(if possible). Pour water down the funnel and press the left ventricle.
What do you observe?
__________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________(2)
(f)Release the pressure and press the right ventricle. What do you observe?
__________________________________________________________(2)
Remove the funnel and tubes.
3.Cut the superior vena cava from the atrium and cut open the wall of the atrium. Do
the same with the pulmonary vein and left atrium.
(a)Describe the appearance of the inner atrial surface.
__________________________________________________________(2)
(b)Determine the position of the pulmonary artery and the aorta by inserting a
glass rod through these vessel into the chambers of the heart.
Name the artery that leaves the right ventricle. ____________________(1)
Name the artery that leaves the left ventricle. _____________________(1)
4.Make an incision in the right side of the left ventricle from the oblique groove to the
apex of the heart.
(a)What do you observe between the left atrium and left ventricle?
__________________________________________________________(2)
(b)How many aps do you see? __________________________________(2)
(c)What is the function of these aps? _____________________________
__________________________________________________________(2)
5.Similarly, make an incision in the left wall of the right ventricle from the oblique
groove.
(a)How many aps do you see between the atrium and the ventricle?
__________________________________________________________(2)
(b)What do these aps collectively form? ___________________________(2)
6.Compare the muscular walls of the:
(a)atria and the ventricles _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________(2)
(b)left and right ventricles _______________________________________
__________________________________________________________(2)
7.What do you observe between the two halves of the heart.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________(2)
8.Examine the tendinous cords.
(a)Where are their points of attachment? ____________________________
75
___________________________________________________________(2)
(b)What is their function? ________________________________________
___________________________________________________________(2)
9. If the pulmonary artery and aorta are long enough, do this question. Using a funnel,
pour water into the pulmonary artery and the aorta.
(a)What do you notice? _________________________________________
__________________________________________________________(2)
(b)What do you see at the base of these arteries? ____________________
__________________________________________________________(2)
10. Cut the aorta and pulmonary arteries open longitudinally and examine the valves.
(a)How many parts are there to each of these valves? _________________
__________________________________________________________(2)
(b)Compare the walls of the aorta and the pulmonary artery and suggest a
reason for any dierence you many nd.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________(4)
27
2.9 Blood Health Prac
Figure 2.8
Results:
27 This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m41374/1.1/>.
76 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Draw a line graph to illustrate your results on the following axis (show the resting pulse rate as a separate
dotted line on the axis).
(10)
Mark allocation: heading [U+F0FC][U+F0FC]x-axis scale [U+F0FC]x-axis label [U+F0FC]
y-axis scale [U+F0FC]y-axis label [U+F0FC]plotting graph [U+F0FC][U+F0FC][U+F0FC]
neat and done in pencil [U+F0FC]
Questions:
1.Write a hypothesis for this investigation.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
(2)
2.Write down the independent variable.
______________________________________(1)
3.Write down the dependent variable.
______________________________________(1)
4.Name ONE factor that must be kept constant during this investigation.
______________________________________(1)
5.Write down TWO ways in which the accuracy of this investigation can be
improved.
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
(2)
6.What conclusions can be made about your cardiovascular tness?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(4)
7.Explain why the heart rate increases during exercise?
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
(4)
Part Two: Investigating your family's heart health
Instructions:
1. Draw up a table to record the answers to the following yes/no questions:
77
i. Do you smoke?
ii. Are you overweight?
iii. Do you exercise regularly?
iv. Do you follow a healthy diet (low fat, low salt)
v. Do you have your blood pressure checked regularly?
vi. Do you have a family history of heart and circulatory disease?
1. Survey two adult male family member (father, grandfather or uncle) and two adult female family
members (mother, grandmother or aunt). Include the adults' rst name, gender, age and relationship
to you.
3.Record the results in your table. Also indicated the score they obtained:
i. yes=0; no=5
ii. yes=0; no=5
iii. yes=5; no=0
iv. yes=5; no=0
v. yes=5; no=0
vii. yes=0; no=5
4.Analyse the results by comparing the total score with the following descriptors:
30 marks- you take very good care of your heart. Well done!
25 marks- you take good care of your heart. Keep it up!
20 marks- you take reasonably good care of your heart but need to work
on a few aspects where you scored 0.
15 marks- you need to take better care of your heart.
0-10 marks- you do not look after your heart at all. It's time to make a
change to a healthier lifestyle.
Assessment Rubric
All living cells require nutrients and oxygen to survive. Cells produce metabolic waste, which must be
•
removed and excreted. The circulatory system is responsible from providing nutrients and removing
metabolic waste.
Circulation takes place as follows:
• Unicellular organisms - diusion
• Invertebrates open ciculatory system
• Vertebrates: closed circulatory
2.10.8 Figure :
Figure 2.9
from ikr
Heart and associated blood vessels
The heart is a large muscle that pumps through repeated rhythmic contractions.. The heart is divided
into a left and right half. The right half of the heart pumps blood up into the pulmonary artery, towards
the lungs (pulmonary circulation), where it is oxygenated. Oxygenated blood returns from the lungs via
the pulmonary veins and enters the left side of the heart. The left side of the heart then pumps blood up
through the aorta, and into the general circulation (systemic circulation) and the oxygen is consumed by the
body. Deoxygenated blood returns the the right side of the heart via the inferior (from below) and superior
81
(from above) vena cava, and can then be pumped back the the heart. The human circulatory system is a
double circulatory system, because blood travels to the heart twice during circulation, once before going to
the lungs and once before circulating throughout the body. Blood only ows in one direction, through the
circulatory system.
• All vessels that ow Away from the heart are called Arteries (Aorta, Pulmonary artery).
• All blood vessels entering the heart are called Veins (Inferior and Superior vena cava, Pulmonary vein).
• The terms artery and vein are not determined by what the vessel transports (oxygenated
blood or deoxygenated) but by whether the vessel ows to or from the heart. Arteries
carry blood away from the heart while veins carry blood towards the heart.
Figure : General structure of the heart and associated blood vessels
(http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anatomy_Heart_English_Tiesworks.jpg)
Figure 2.10
2.10.9 Internally each half of the human heart is composed of a ventricle and
atria.
1. Blood ow into an atrium from a vein.
2. Once the atrium is full it contracts pumping the blood into the a ventricle. When the
atrium contracts a valve on the vein closes preventing blood from owing back into the
vein.
82 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
3. The ventricle then contracts pumping the blood into a artery. A valve between the
ventricle and atrium prevents blood from owing back into the atrium
2.10.10
The valves of the heart ensure that blood only ows one way through the heart. The two chamber system of
each half the of the heart allow one chamber to ll while the other is pumping blood. While the ventricle is
contracting to pump blood into the artery, the atrium is relaxed and lling with blood. When the ventricle
has completed its contraction, and relaxes the atrium then contracts to ll the ventricle. The heart maintains
a rhythm between the contraction and relaxation of the atrium and ventricles.
2.10.11
Because the heart is composed of two halves and each half is made up of two chambers the human heart is
a four chamber heart.
2.10.12
From mindset
Humans, birds, and mammals have a four-chambered heart. Fish have a two-chambered heart, one
atrium and one ventricle . Amphibians have a three-chambered heart with two atria and one ventricle. The
advantage of a four chambered heart is that there is no mixture of the oxygenated and deoxygenated blood.
83
Figure 10. Circulatory systems of several vertebrates showing the progressive evolution of the four-
chambered heart and pulmonary and systemic circulatory circuits. Images from Purves et al., Life:
The Science of Biology, 4th Edition, by Sinauer Associates (www.sinauer.com29 ) and WH Freeman
(www.whfreeman.com30 ), used with permission. (please request permission to reprint these)
Figure 2.11
84 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Figure 2.13
Figure 2.14
Table 2.5
The Heart
The heart, shown in Figure 11, is a muscular structure that contracts in a rhythmic pattern to pump
blood. Hearts have a variety of forms: chambered hearts in mollusks and vertebrates, tubular hearts of
arthropods, and aortic arches of annelids. Accessory hearts are used by insects to boost or supplement the
main heart's actions. Fish, reptiles, and amphibians have lymph hearts31 that help pump lymph32 back into
veins.
The basic vertebrate heart, such as occurs in sh, has two chambers. An auricle33 is the chamber of the
heart where blood is received from the body. A ventricle pumps the blood it gets through a valve from the
auricle out to the gills through an artery.
Amphibians have a three-chambered heart: two atria emptying into a single common ventricle. Some
species have a partial separation of the ventricle to reduce the mixing of oxygenated (coming back from
the lungs) and deoxygenated blood (coming in from the body). Two sided or two chambered hearts permit
pumping at higher pressures and the addition of the pulmonary loop permits blood to go to the lungs at
lower pressure yet still go to the systemic loop at higher pressures.
29 http://www.sinauer.com/
30 http://www.whfreeman.com/
31 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossL.html#lymph%20hearts
32 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossL.html#lymph
33 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossA.html#auricle
86 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
87
Figure 11. The relationship of the heart and circulatory system to major visceral organs. Below: the
structure of the heart. Images from Purves et al., Life: The Science of Biology, 4th Edition, by Sinauer
Associates ( www.sinauer.com34 ) and WH Freeman (www.whfreeman.com35 ), used with permission.
Figure 2.15
88 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Table 2.6
Establishment of the four-chambered heart, along with the pulmonary and systemic circuits, completely
separates oxygenated from deoxygenated blood. This allows higher the metabolic rates needed by warm-
blooded birds and mammals.
The human heart, as seen in Figure 11, is a two-sided, four-chambered structure with muscular walls.
An atrioventricular (AV) valve36 separates each auricle from ventricle. A semilunar (also known as arterial)
valve37 separates each ventricle from its connecting artery.
The heart beats or contracts approximately 70 times per minute. The human heart will undergo over 3
billion contraction cycles, as shown in Figure 12, during a normal lifetime. The cardiac cycle38 consists of
two parts: systole39 (contraction of the heart muscle) and diastole40 (relaxation of the heart muscle). Atria
contract while ventricles relax. The pulse is a wave of contraction transmitted along the arteries. Valves in
the heart open and close during the cardiac cycle. Heart muscle contraction is due to the presence of nodal
tissue in two regions of the heart.
Cardiac Cycle: ow of blood through the heart
Excellent simple video illustrating the heart cycle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3ZDJgFDdk041
The circulatory song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0s-1MC1hcE&NR=142
The Cardiac Cycle
• The top half of the heart works as one unit.
• The bottom half of the heart works as one unit.
• The sino-atrial node (pacemaker) starts and regulates the process.
• To understand the cardiac cycle, note the following:
• The duration of one heartbeat is approximately 0,8 seconds.
• Normal heartbeat rate is approximately 72 75 beats per minute.
• The contraction of the heart muscle is called systole (think `S' for stressed).
• The relaxing of the heart muscle is called diastole
34 http://www.sinauer.com/
35 http://www.whfreeman.com/
36 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossA.html#atrioventricular%20%28AV%29%20valve
37 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossS.html#semilunar%20valve
38 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossC.html#cardiac%20cycle
39 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossS.html#systole
40 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossD.html#diastole
41 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D3ZDJgFDdk0
42 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0s-1MC1hcE&NR=1
89
Figure 2.17
from mindset
One complete cycle of the human circulatory system.
1. Deoxygenated blood from the systemic circulation ows into the right atrium.
2. The right atrium contracts, closing the valve pulmonary semilunar valve, and pumping blood into the
right ventricle.
3. The right ventricle contracts, closing the valve between the atrium and ventricle, and pumping the
blood into the pulmonary circulation.
4. A valve on the pulmonary artery then closes preventing blood from owing back into the heart.
5. Blood is oxygenated in the lungs and returns to the heart via the pulmonary arteries.
6. Blood ows into the left atrium.
7. The left atrium contracts, closing the valve, and pumps the blood into the left ventricle.
8. The left ventricle then contracts closing the valve between the ventricle and atrium, and pumps the
blood into the aorta.
90 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
9. A valve on the aorta closes preventing the blood from owing back into the heart. The high pressure
from created by the ventricle forces the blood into the systemic circulation, where the cells of the body
consume the oxygen.
10. Blood is returned to the heart via the veins. The veins contain valves allowing blood to only ow
towards the heart. Blood is forced through the veins through muscle contractions.
11. Deoxygenated blood then returns to the heart, and the cycle continues.
Direction of Blood Flow: Dierence Between Oxygenated and deoxygenated blood in dierent parts of the
system (diagramatic or schematic drawing)
Blood ows through the heart from veins to atria to ventricles out by arteries. Heart valves limit ow
to a single direction. One heartbeat, or cardiac cycle, includes atrial contraction and relaxation, ventricular
contraction and relaxation, and a short pause. Normal cardiac cycles (at rest) take 0.8 seconds. Blood from
the body ows into the vena cava, which empties into the right atrium. At the same time, oxygenated blood
from the lungs ows from the pulmonary vein into the left atrium. The muscles of both atria contract,
forcing blood downward through each AV valve into each ventricle.
Diastole is the lling of the ventricles with blood. Ventricular systole opens the SL valves, forcing blood
out of the ventricles through the pulmonary artery or aorta. The sound of the heart contracting and the
valves opening and closing produces a characteristic "lub-dub" sound. Lub is associated with closure of the
AV valves, dub is the closing of the SL valves
Lung and pulmonary system and associated blood vessels: associated blood vessels
need to ll out this area
Major organs and systemic system: associated major blood vesssels the brain, small intestines, liver,
kidney.
All the organs of the body are are supplied by blood. Each has a artery supplying the organ with blood
from the heart, and veins returning blood to the heart. Arteries and veins have been named according to
the organ which they supply blood to.
The circulatory system forms a closed system. Nutrients enter the circulatory system from the digestive
system. These nutrients rst move to the liver viat the haptic portal vein, the liver then controlls the nutrient
composition of the blood. Blood passes from the liver to the heart for circulation throughout the body. Cells
consume the nutrients in the blood and produce metabolic waste. This metabolic waste is circulated in the
blood, if it remains in the blood the blood would eventually become toxic. The kidneys removing metabolic
from the blood, maintaining a healthy environment for cells to live in.
The Brain is supplied with blood via the internal corotid arteries and the Verterbral arteries. The blood
is drained via the jugular veins.
Mechanisms for controlling cardiac cycle and heart rate(pulse)
The rhythm of the heart is controlled by the The Sinoatrail node (SA node) which initiates the heartbeat,
by triggering a an electical impulse which passes down to the other nerves in the heart. As then electical
impulse passes over the atria they contract. The electrical impulse then reaches the atrioventricular (AV)
nodes. The signal is delayed here, before passing over the ventricles, and initiating their contraction. This
delay gives the ventricles time to ll before contracting.
The SA node (sinoatrial node)43 initiates heartbeat. The AV node (atrioventricular node)44 causes
ventricles to contract. The AV node is sometimes called the pacemaker since it keeps heartbeat regular.
Heartbeat is also controlled by nerve messages originating from the autonomic nervous system.
Figure 12. The cardiac cycle. Image from Purves et al., Life: The Science of Biology, 4th Edition, by Sin-
auer Associates ( www.sinauer.com45 ) and WH Freeman (www.whfreeman.com46 ), used with permission.
continued on next page
43 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossS.html#sinoatrial%20%28SA%29%20node
44 http://www2.estrellamountain.edu/faculty/farabee/biobk/BioBookglossA.html#atrioventricular%20%28AV%29%20node
91
Figure 2.18
Table 2.7
.
Human heartbeats originate from the sinoatrial node (SA node) near the right atrium. Modied muscle
cells contract, sending a signal to other muscle cells in the heart to contract. The signal spreads to the
atrioventricular node (AV node). Signals carried from the AV node, slightly delayed, through bundle of
His bers and Purkinjie bers cause the ventricles to contract simultaneously. Figure 13 illustrates several
aspects of this.
45 http://www.sinauer.com/
46 http://www.whfreeman.com/
92 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Figure 13. The contraction of the heart and the action of the nerve nodes located on the heart. Images
from Purves et al., Life: The Science of Biology, 4th Edition, by Sinauer Associates ( www.sinauer.com47 )
and WH Freeman (www.whfreeman.com48 ), used with permission.
Figure 2.19
93
Figure 2.21
Table 2.8
Heartbeats are coordinated contractions of heart cardiac cells, shown in an animate GIF image in Figure
14. When two or more of such cells are in proximity to each other their contractions synch up and they beat
as one.
Table 2.9
An electrocardiogram (ECG) measures changes in electrical potential across the heart, and can detect
the contraction pulses that pass over the surface of the heart. There are three slow, negative changes, known
as P, R, and T as shown in Figure 15 . Positive deections are the Q and S waves. The P wave represents
the contraction impulse of the atria, the T wave the ventricular contraction. ECGs are useful in diagnosing
heart abnormalities.
47 http://www.sinauer.com/
48 http://www.whfreeman.com/
94 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Figure 15. Normal cardiac pattern (top) and some abnormal patterns (bottom). Images from Purves
et al., Life: The Science of Biology, 4th Edition, by Sinauer Associates ( www.sinauer.com49 ) and WH
Freeman (www.whfreeman.com50 ), (please contact for permission).
Figure 2.22
Figure 2.23
Table 2.10
The heart consists of a right and left half, blood is never mixed in the two halves. The right half of the
heart pumps blood to the lungs (pulmonary circulation), the blood is oxygenated in the lung, and returns to
the left side of the heart. The left side of the heart then pumps the blood to the rest of the body (systemic
circulation), the blood then returns to right side of the heart and can be pumped back into the lungs. Blood
leaves the heart through arteries and returns to the heart via veins.
http51 ://52 www53 .54 biologyinmotion55 .56 com57 /58 cardio59 /60 index61 .62 html63
Khan Academy
49 http://www.sinauer.com/
50 http://www.whfreeman.com/
51 http://www.biologyinmotion.com/cardio/index.html
52 http://www.biologyinmotion.com/cardio/index.html
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96 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
http64 ://65 www66 .67 khanacademy68 .69 org70 /71 video72 /73 circulatory74 - 75 system76 -77 and78 -79
the80 -81 heart82 ?83 playlist84 =85 Biology86
http87 ://88 www89 .90 khanacademy91 .92 org93 /94 video95 /96 the97 -98 lungs99 -100 and101 - 102
pulmonary103 -104 system105 ?106 playlist107 =108 Biology109
2.10.13 Normal Heart Sounds
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/HROgg.ogg110
2.10.14 Outer layer layer of connective tissue
Middle layer smooth muscle Inner layer thin layer of squamous ep-
ithelial cells. Interactive diagram illustrating arterial and venous structure.
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cardio2/structure.html IKS
64 http://www.khanacademy.org/video/circulatory-%20system-and-the-heart?playlist=Biology
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2.10.15 Middle layer smooth muscle
thin layer of squamous epithelial cells. Interactive diagram illustrating arterial and venous structure.
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cardio2/structure.html
2.10.16 Inner layer thin layer of squamous epithelial cells.
Interactive diagram illustrating arterial and venous structure. http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/car
2.10.17 Interactive diagram illustrating arterial and venous structure.
http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/biocoach/cardio2/structure.html IKS
2.10.18 IKS
Use and symbololgy of blood and heart in traditional black culture
Doing a dissection
http://www.hometrainingtools.com/images/videos/Dissection_Video/dissection_vplayer.html?TB_iframe=true&heigh
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98 CHAPTER 2. LIFE PROCESSES IN PLANTS AND ANIMALS
Chapter 3
Environmental studies
1
3.1 Biosphere
3.1.1 Biosphere
3.1.1.1 1.1 Concept of the Biosphere
In the past scientists have studied the various parts of the Earth. They have looked at botany (how plants
work), zoology (animals), geology (rocks), and physics (forces) but few have studied how all of these work
together. Now we are discovering that the Earth is much more than a bunch of parts. It is a whole. The
Earth is a whole system that works together. This means that there is an interconnection between all of
Earth's living and non-living parts. Everything works together in important ways. Scientists divide the
Earth's System into four sub-systems:
• biosphere (life)
• lithosphere (land)
• hydrosphere (water)
• atmosphere (air)
To see how the sub-systems of the Earth interact, watch the video: The Earth as a System:
http://www.oercommons.org/courses/earth-as-a-system/view2
3.1.1.1.1 1.1.1 Biosphere
From: http://cnx.org/content/m16693/latest/?collection=col10548/latest
The biosphere is the region of the earth that encompasses all living organisms: plants, animals and
bacteria. It is a feature that distinguishes the earth from the other planets in the solar system. "Bio"
means life, and the term biosphere was rst coined by a Russian scientist (Vladimir Vernadsky) in the
1920s. Another term sometimes used is ecosphere ("eco" meaning home). The biosphere includes the outer
region of the earth (the lithosphere) and the lower region of the atmosphere (the troposphere). It also
includes the hydrosphere, the region of lakes, oceans, streams, ice and clouds comprising the earth's water
resources. Traditionally, the biosphere is considered to extend from the bottom of the oceans to the highest
mountaintops, a layer with an average thickness of about 20 kilometers. Scientists now know that some
forms of microbes live at great depths, sometimes several thousand meters into the earth's crust.
Nonetheless, the biosphere is a very tiny region on the scale of the whole earth, analogous to the thickness
of the skin on an apple. The bulk of living organisms actually live within a smaller fraction of the biosphere,
from about 500 meters below the ocean's surface to about 6 kilometers above sea level.
1 This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m41384/1.1/>.
2 http://www.oercommons.org/courses/earth-as-a-system/view
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100 CHAPTER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Dynamic interactions occur between the biotic region (biosphere) and the abiotic regions (atmosphere,
lithosphere and hydrosphere) of the earth. Energy, water, gases and nutrients are exchanged between the
regions on various spatial and time scales. Such exchanges depend upon, and can be altered by, the envi-
ronments of the regions. For example, the chemical processes of early life on earth (e.g. photosynthesis,
respiration, carbonate formation) transformed the reducing ancient atmosphere into the oxidizing (free oxy-
gen) environment of today. The interactive processes between the biosphere and the abiotic regions work
to maintain a kind of planetary equilibrium. These processes, as well as those that might disrupt this
equilibrium, involve a range of scientic and socioeconomic issues.
The study of the relationships of living organisms with one another and with their environment is the
science known as ecology. The word ecology comes from the Greek words oikos and logos, and literally means
"study of the home." The ecology of the earth can be studied at various levels: an individual (organism),
a population, a community, an ecosystem, a biome or the entire biosphere. The variety of living organisms
that inhabit an environment is a measure of its biodiversity.
3.1.1.1.2 1.1.2 Lithosphere
From:http://www.curriki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Coll_NROCscience/Lesson14TheLithosphereandPlateTectonics_0
The layer of the mantle above the asthenosphere plus the entire crust make up a region called the
lithosphere. The lithosphere, and therefore, the earth's crust, is not a continuous shell, but is broken into
a series of plates that independently "oat" upon the asthenosphere, much like a raft on the ocean. These
plates are in constant motion, typically moving a few centimeters a year, and are driven by convection in
the mantle. The scientic theory that describes this phenomenon is called plate tectonics. According to the
theory of plate tectonics, the lithosphere is comprised of some seven major plates and several smaller ones.
Because these plates are in constant motion, interactions occur where plate boundaries meet.
3.1.1.1.3 1.1.3 Hydrosphere
From Open Source Earth Science Course (www.opencollegetextbook.org)
The Hydrosphere contains all the water on Earth. As groundwater, the hydrosphere penetrates the soil
as far down as bedrock, mostly limestone, or other impermeable layers. It is found in aquifers as groundwater
and also between soil particles. As surface water, it is found in wetlands, marshes, estuaries, lakes, streams,
rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans. In the atmosphere, water is found as a gas throughout the dierent regions.
Water appears to permeate all the other spheres.
The Hydrosphere extends upward to about 15 kilometers in the Earth's atmosphere and downward to
depths on the order of ve kilometers in its crust. Indeed, the abundance of water on Earth is a unique
feature that clearly distinguishes our "Blue Planet" from others in the solar system. Not a drop of liquid
water can be found anywhere else in the solar system.
Though it cannot be found on any other planet, water is the most abundant inorganic substance at the
surface of the Earth. About 1.4 billion cubic kilometers of water in liquid and frozen form make up the
oceans, lakes, rivers, streams, glaciers, and groundwater.
3.1.1.1.4 1.1.4 Atmosphere
The atmosphere, the gaseous layer that surrounds the earth, formed over four billion years ago. The earth's
atmosphere extends outward to about 1,000 kilometers where it transitions to interplanetary space. However,
most of the mass of the atmosphere (greater than 99 percent) is located within the rst 40 kilometers. The
sun and the earth are the main sources of radiant energy in the atmosphere. The sun's radiation spans the
infrared, visible and ultraviolet light regions, while the earth's radiation is mostly infrared.
The vertical temperature prole of the atmosphere is variable and depends upon the types of radiation
that aect each atmospheric layer. This, in turn, depends upon the chemical composition of that layer
(mostly involving trace gases). Based on these factors, the atmosphere can be divided into four distinct
layers: the troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, and thermosphere.
101
The troposphere is the atmospheric layer closest to the earth's surface. It extends about 8 - 16 kilometers
from the earth's surface. The thickness of the layer varies a few km according to latitude and the season of
the year. It is thicker near the equator and during the summer, and thinner near the poles and during the
winter. The troposphere contains the largest percentage of the mass of the atmosphere relative to the other
layers. It also contains some 99 percent of the total water vapor of the atmosphere.
The temperature of the troposphere is warm (roughly 17º C) near the surface of the earth. This is due to
the absorption of infrared radiation from the surface by water vapor and other greenhouse gases (e.g. carbon
dioxide, nitrous oxide and methane) in the troposphere. The concentration of these gases decreases with
altitude, and therefore, the heating eect is greatest near the surface. The temperature in the troposphere
decreases at a rate of roughly 6.5º C per kilometer of altitude. The temperature at its upper boundary is
very cold (roughly -60º C).
Because hot air rises and cold air falls, there is a constant convective overturn of material in the tropo-
sphere. Indeed, the name troposphere means region of mixing. For this reason, all weather phenomena
occur in the troposphere. Water vapor evaporated from the earth's surface condenses in the cooler upper
regions of the troposphere and falls back to the surface as rain. Dust and pollutants injected into the tro-
posphere become well mixed in the layer, but are eventually washed out by rainfall. The troposphere is
therefore self cleaning.
A narrow zone at the top of the troposphere is called the tropopause. It eectively separates the under-
lying troposphere and the overlying stratosphere. The temperature in the tropopause is relatively constant.
Strong eastward winds, known as the jet stream, also occur here.
The stratosphere is the next major atmospheric layer. This layer extends from the tropopause (roughly
12 kilometers) to roughly 50 kilometers above the earth's surface. The temperature prole of the stratosphere
is quite dierent from that of the troposphere. The temperature remains relatively constant up to roughly
25 kilometers and then gradually increases up to the upper boundary of the layer. The amount of water
vapor in the stratosphere is very low, so it is not an important factor in the temperature regulation of the
layer. Instead, it is ozone (O3) that causes the observed temperature inversion.
The third layer in the earth's atmosphere is called the mesosphere. It extends from the stratopause (about
50 kilometers) to roughly 85 kilometers above the earth's surface. Because the mesosphere has negligible
amounts of water vapor and ozone for generating heat, the temperature drops across this layer. It is warmed
from the bottom by the stratosphere. The air is very thin in this region with a density about 1/1000 that of
the surface. With increasing altitude this layer becomes increasingly dominated by lighter gases, and in the
outer reaches, the remaining gases become stratied by molecular weight.
The fourth layer, the thermosphere, extends outward from about 85 kilometers to about 600 kilometers.
Its upper boundary is ill dened. The temperature in the thermosphere increases with altitude, up to 1500º
C or more. The high temperatures are the result of absorption of intense solar radiation by the last remaining
oxygen molecules. The temperature can vary substantially depending upon the level of solar activity.
The lower region of the thermosphere (up to about 550 kilometers) is also known as the ionosphere.
Because of the high temperatures in this region, gas particles become ionized. The ionosphere is important
because it reects radio waves from the earth's surface, allowing long-distance radio communication. The
visual atmospheric phenomenon known as the northern lights also occurs in this region. The outer region
of the atmosphere is known as the exosphere. The exosphere represents the nal transition between the
atmosphere and interplanetary space. It extends about 1000 kilometers and contains mainly helium and
hydrogen. Most satellites operate in this region.
3.1.1.2 1.2 Interconnectedness with, and components of a global ecosystem
Concept: the earth is a system
Text from Open Source Earth Science Course
While studying the parts of the Earth System it is important to look for the emergent properties of the
Earth System. How do the parts of the Earth System come together to form a sum that is greater than the
sum of its parts? This question is best answered by focusing on the Earth's matter, energy, and life.
102 CHAPTER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
A system has two distinguishing characteristics. The rst is that it has SYNERGY. Synergy means that
the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. This sounds a lot more complicated than it is. What it
means is that when all of the pieces of a system are put together they are more valuable than all of the pieces
would be if they were considered separately. A home is a good example. If you were to lay all the pieces and
parts of your home in a pile you would have a big pile of wood, insulation, pipes, wires, drywall, etc. Your
pile of house stu would be worth something but not nearly as much as your home is worth when all the
house stu is organized into a system.
The second distinguishing characteristic of a system is that it has EMERGENT PROPERTIES. Emergent
properties are properties that emerge as a result of how the system works together; properties that do not
exist without the system. In other words, emergent properties are characteristics that are unique to the
system as a whole. Let us consider the example of your home once again. Some emergent properties of your
home may be its comfort and its safety. The comfort of your home is a function of the materials used to
build it, the architectural design, and the furniture inside. The home's safety is a property dependent on the
design, the strength and location of its doors and windows, and the neighbourhood in which it was built.
Both the safety and comfort of your home are properties of the home that are a result of the home system;
they are not dependent on just one aspect of the home.
_ Text from Earth as a System. " Teachers' Domain. 17 Dec. 2005. Web. 15 Oct. 2011.
<http://www.teachersdomain.org/resource/ess05.sci.ess.earthsys.hologlobe/
Understanding our planet as an integrated system of components and processes is a fundamental part of
Earth and space science research. Just as the human body is composed of interrelated systems that control
specic bodily functions, Earth's four principal components the atmosphere (air), lithosphere (land),
hydrosphere (water), and biosphere (life) perform critical roles that, together, support and sustain life on
the planet.
Nothing inuences the subsystems that contribute to Earth's dynamic behaviour more than heat. Heat
comes from two sources: solar energy and radioactivity in the Earth's core. Because of the angle at which
the Sun strikes Earth, Earth's surface is heated unevenly. This creates Earth's three major climate zones
tropical, temperate, and polar which then inuence what types of life ourish in dierent locations.
The uneven heating also controls weather systems. The heat absorbed by the oceans and carried by
its currents is constantly being released into the atmosphere. This heat and moisture drive atmospheric
circulation and set weather patterns in motion. The weather patterns then inuence vegetation, as well as
erosion and sediment transport.
The other heat source, deep within Earth's core, is responsible for plate tectonics, which gives the Earth
its physical character: mountain ranges and valleys, ocean basins and lake beds, and islands and trenches.
The heat from Earth's core generates convection cells within its mantle, which help drive plate activity.
Ever since the rst photos were sent back from space, our view of Earth has changed. Remote sensing
instruments, such as satellites, allow us to better understand the interrelationships between the dierent
subsystems. For instance, recordings made by remote and Earth-based instruments show that signicant
surface warming has occurred over the past three decades. Knowing this, scientists are working to determine
how this will aect and already is aecting the entire Earth system.
Possible slide-shows:
http://www.slideshare.net/Alyssa10/earth-science-biosphere-ppt3
http://www.slideshare.net/shoreyl/3-biosphere4
Video: The Earth as a System: http://www.oercommons.org/courses/earth-as-a-system/view5
3.1.1.3 1.3 Questions
What are the parts of Earth's System?
What are the properties of the Earth's System?
How is the Earth's System part of a larger system?
3 http://www.slideshare.net/Alyssa10/earth-science-biosphere-ppt
4 http://www.slideshare.net/shoreyl/3-biosphere
5 http://www.oercommons.org/courses/earth-as-a-system/view
103
6
3.2 Environment
3.2.1 Environment
3.2.1.1 Concept of environment to show human activities in and interactions with the natural
environment
Throughout history humans have inuenced, and been inuenced by, the natural world. While much of
our impact has been detrimental to the natural environment, we have preserved and protected certain
resources that are important to us. There are currently many uncertainties regarding the future of the natural
environment, and the role of humans in its destruction and responsibility of humans in its conservation and
preservation. Environmental problems are becoming more and more complex, especially as issues arise on a
more global level, such as that of atmospheric pollution or global warming. There is a realization that such
complex problems will demand complex solutions and the participation of all.
Interactions between human society and the environment are constantly changing. The environment,
while highly valued by most, is used and altered by a wide variety of people with many dierent interests
and values. Diculties remain on how best to ensure the protection of our environment and natural resources.
There will always be tradeos and, many times, unanticipated or unintended consequences. However, a well-
managed environment can provide goods and services that are both essential for our well being as well as
for continued economic prosperity.
The environment has become one of the most important issues of our time and will continue to be well
into the future. The challenge is to nd approaches to environmental management that give people the
quality of life they seek while protecting the environmental systems that are also the foundations of our
well being. In order to face these challenges, students today will need more than supercial knowledge or
awareness of disconnected environmental issues. A multidisciplinary approach to learning can build upon the
strengths of a wide range of elds of study, providing a deeper understanding of the technological, political,
and social options and strategies for both studying and managing the relationship between our society and
the environment.
From the Environmental Literacy Council. Unsure of copyright.
Land Use
The surface of the Earth is shaped by a combination of physical processes, including earthquakes and
volcanoes, shifts of rocks and sediments, and ows of river and ice. Humans also shape the land through
increasing populations, agricultural expansion, mineral and forest resource excavation, changing the ow
of rivers, and with layers of industrial and urban infrastructure. Land cover is the physical and biological
material found on the surface of the land, existing as vegetation or the built environment (human-created
structures). Land use describes the various ways in which human beings make use of and manage the land
and its resources.
Over the course of history, humans have had a changeable relationship to the land. Early humans are
believed to have used the land with little modication for shelter, food gathering, and defensive aims. It
wasn't until the domestication of plants and animals approximately 10,000 years ago that land use involved
extensive changes in the landscape. With domestication came large-scale clearing for both settlement and
agriculture. Growing populations built structures on the land (or out of the land) for shelter, defense and
worship, and altered the existing land cover and the course of waterways for food, power, and transportation.
In many instances, the biological and physical make-up of the land contributes to how it is used; lands with
rich soils are most suitable for farming while lands prone to ooding are less suitable for settlement. Large
cities, for example, are often located adjacent to an ocean or river, providing essential water, and access
for food, sewer, industrial, and economic purposes. As food, power, transportation, and communication
technologies transformed over the last few centuries in order to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding
population, there have been major changes in the patterns of land use worldwide.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, many acres of forest were cleared to make way for cropland, and for
use as fuel and building material. In many developed countries that trend is reversing, and the regeneration of
6 This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m41346/1.1/>.
104 CHAPTER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
vegetation is occurring. However, in many developing countries, deforestation and unsustainable agricultural
practices are still a major concern. Yet, worldwide, the most transformative change has been in the decrease
of cropland and the increase of urban land .
Today, industrial areas are more apt to be found in suburban locales rather than in inner cities, while
areas dedicated to natural resource extraction and production continue to be found most often in rural areas.
Modern city life is marked by large commercial and residential spaces, with impermeable surfaces punctuated
by the occasional green space. These areas are connected by a vast transportation network that snakes across
land and water, exchanging people, goods, and natural resources between the urban, suburban, and rural
areas. Land use decisions have since moved from the single farmer deciding where to place his crops to a
more integrated view of land use planning.
3.2.1.2 Abiotic and biotic factors: eects on the community
There a number of characteristics of your local environment that can be classied into three broad categories,
which can be called the the ABC's of the environment.
In the ABC's of the environment,
A- refers to the abiotic (physical, non-living) features of the area
B- identies the biotic (plant and animal) component of the environment.
C- C is the cultural (human) inuences.
Some ecologists think of the ABC's as forming a triangle with inter-relating sides. In a civilization as complex
as ours, no single side can exist uninuenced by others.
3.2.1.3 How Humans have an impact on the environment
3.2.1.3.1 The Greenhouse Eect
http://www.curriki.org/xwiki/bin/view/Coll_Athabasca/Unit5-Lesson3TheGreenhouseEect
With the rise to prominence of the issue of global warming, it is important to discuss the greenhouse
eect here. The name comes from the everyday concept of a greenhouse, where sunlight is allowed to pass
through transparent panels and shine on the plants inside. This provides energy to the plants, but also
warms everything inside the greenhouse. With the sealed layer of transparent panels, the warmth is trapped
inside and the greenhouse becomes much warmer than the environment outside.
The Earth's atmosphere functions exactly like this, except there are no transparent panels. When sunlight
shines down on the Earth, most of it is absorbed on the surface, giving us warmth and energy. Some of the
light is absorbed by the atmosphere before it hits the surface, and a very small amount of the light is also
reected back o the surface toward outer space. Additionally, the surface of the Earth releases heat into
the atmosphere, such as can be seen over a road on a hot day.
Did you know?
The greenhouse eect is not limited to Earth. Any planet that has a signicant atmosphere has some
kind of greenhouse eect. Venus has a signicant greenhouse eect that keeps the surface of the planet
extremely hot, averaging around 460C. A probe that was sent to study the planet survived for only two
hours before melting, even though it was designed with durable metals.
The Sun's rays warm the around in Earth's atmosphere
With the reection of light o the surface and the surface radiation of heat, much of the energy from
sunlight would be lost back to space. Fortunately the atmosphere acts like the transparent panels from the
greenhouse trapping the heat. Natural gases in our atmosphere called greenhouse gases (such as carbon
dioxide and water vapour) are extremely good at absorbing various kinds of sunlight. So, rather than
escaping back into space, much of this reected light and heat is actually absorbed by the greenhouse gases.
This has a signicant warming eect on our atmosphere.
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Figure 3.1
Light reects o of the Earth and is trapped in our atmosphere by greenhouse gases.
This warms the atmosphere signicantly making life on Earth possible as we know it.
Many people associate the greenhouse eect with global warming. In fact, there is so much confusion,
that these terms are sometimes used interchangeably. The greenhouse eect is naturally occurring on most
planets, and it is necessary on Earth to maintain life as we know it.
Did you know?
Without the greenhouse eect, the temperature of the Earth might be as much as 30C cooler! That
would alter the surface of the Earth signicantly, covering much of it with ice. We need the greenhouse eect
to survive on Earth.
However, there can be too much of a good thing. Human beings have begun adding a large amount
of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide, into our atmosphere. This came mostly with the industrial
revolution when we began to burn coal and gasoline, and now many other fossil fuels (such as propane,
natural gases), and even wood, in great quantities. With this increase in carbon dioxide in our atmosphere,
there is more gas to absorb energy. With more energy being absorbed, the temperature of the atmosphere is
beginning to increase, causing changes within our weather patterns, and other inuences on the ecosystems
of the Earth. This is called climate change.
In the past few decades the population of the Earth has doubled to over six billion people. These six billion
106 CHAPTER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
people foster a large increase in automobile transportation; the major source of the increase in greenhouse
gases. The greater population has also required more resources such as land. Large amounts of forest have
been cut down. Trees are one of the most important organisms that actually remove carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere during photosynthesis. So not only are humans adding more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere,
but they are also destroying trees that would otherwise be helping to absorb excess carbon dioxide from the
atmosphere.
We will not know the full impact of global warming until perhaps the middle of this century. This is
because it takes so long for the full impact to be felt. You may remember that water vapour and carbon
dioxide are a very small part of the makeup of our original atmosphere (see Module 5, Tutorial 1). So as
we add carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels there is only a very small change in the makeup of our
atmosphere. In fact it takes a long time for the atmosphere to mix in the added greenhouse gases fully.
Scientists say that even if we halted the release of greenhouse gases today, the climate would continue to
warm until about the year 2050 as the atmosphere reaches a new stable state.
3.2.1.4 Activities
3.2.1.4.1 The Greenhouse eect
To see how greenhouse gases aect the climate try this simulation from PhET. Explore the atmosphere during
the ice age and today. What happens when you add clouds? Change the greenhouse gas concentration and
see how the temperature changes. Then compare to the eect of glass panes. Zoom in and see how light
interacts with molecules. Do all atmospheric gases contribute to the greenhouse eect?
Phet: The Greenhouse Eecthttp://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/greenhouse7
3.2.1.4.2 Human's inuence on greenhouse gas concentrations
Take a look at http://www.breathingearth.net/8 to see how much CO2 is currently been released into the
atmosphere.
Watch for 4 minutes. How many people were born in that time? How many people died?
If the current grade 9's repeated this exercise exactly one year from today, at exactly the same time of
day, by how much will the world's population have grown? Do you think this is a problem? Why?
How much CO2 will have been added to the atmosphere by that time? How does South Africa compare to
the rest of the world? Do you think all South African's contribute equally to CO2 emissions in our country?
3.2.1.4.3 Discovering your impact
What Is A Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular
climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through
burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc.
The carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of
tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.
A carbon footprint is made up of the sum of two parts, the primary footprint and the secondary footprint.
The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including
domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these.
The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products
we use - those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply the more
we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.
To work out what your carbon footprint is visit: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx9
7 http://phet.colorado.edu/en/simulation/greenhouse
8 http://www.breathingearth.net/
9 http://www.carbonfootprint.com/calculator.aspx
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To discover how to reduce your carbon footprint visit: http://www.carbonfootprint.com/minimisecfp.html10
3.2.1.4.4 Climate Change
Student's guide to climate changehttp://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html11
http://climate.nasa.gov/12
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3.2.1.5 Assignment:
Identify the ABC's (abiotic, biotic and cultural characteristics) of a natural environment near you. To make
your ABC prole, follow the instructions below.
1. Select an area that is undeveloped (i.e. no buildings, no pavement, no bulldozing, no spraying of
pesticides, no farming, no grazing, etc.). Your area must be at least the size of a soccer eld. For some this
will be an easy walk from their homes. Others will have to travel quite a distance[U+2011][U+2011]lucky
you! You can think of it as a eld trip. Make a map of your province and show, approximately, where your
area is located.
2. Identify the at least 10 A (abiotic) features of your area. Consider factors such as:
* Landforms (mesa, mountain, valley, bench, etc..
* Altitude
3. Identify at least 15 B (biotic) features of the area. (You may use common names.) Consider things
such as:
* Plants (trees, shrubs, grasses, owers, etc.)
* Insects (ants, bees, praying mantis, etc.)
* Amphibians, reptiles, and/or sh
4. Identify at least 3 C (cultural) components. Look for evidence of human inuence. Consider things
such as:
*Recycling, conservation eorts
*Pollution
*Introduced species
ANALYSIS
NB- Come back and use South African examples for the model answer examples
Examine the data you collected when making your ABC prole. Use your collected data to answer the
following questions.
1. What eect does the environment (abiotic) have on the organisms (biotic) living there? Give FIVE
specic examples from your prole. [For example: Lily pads (biotic) are able to grow in my area because it
is a natural wetland that has standing, stagnant water (abiotic) all year long.]
2. What eect do the organisms (biotic) have on the environment (abiotic)? Give THREE specic
examples from your prole. [For example: The area is heavily shaded by spruce trees (biotic). The shade
keeps the soil moist (abiotic) and reduces the air temperature.]
3. How do natural forces aect the area? Give ONE specic example from your prole. Consider the
direction of the prevailing winds, the direction from which the sun's rays come, gravity (if you are on a
slope), etc. . .
4. How have humans aected your area? Give ONE specic example.
5. Predict how your area would change if the amount of rainfall doubled. Be sure to mention how this
increase in rainfall would aect the abiotic and biotic factors.
10 http://www.carbonfootprint.com/minimisecfp.html
11 http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/index.html
12 http://climate.nasa.gov/
13 http://climate.nasa.gov/imagesVideo/climateReel/index.cfm
108 CHAPTER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
3.3.1 Ecotourism
Denition 3.1: Ecotourism
Tourism in natural environments to observe wildlife, often that are under protection or contain en-
dangered species. It also refers to the practise of travelling to areas in order to support conservation
eorts and uplift the lives of local people.
3.3.1.1 The attractions of touring South Africa
South Africa is a beautiful country that boasts great diversity in its ora and fauna. There are many
interesting cultural, historical and environmental place that people from South Africa and other countries
want to visit.
From what you learned from the dierent ecosystems, you can see that South Africa has a range of
systems from desert, wetland, mountains, sea and our own unique Fynbos biome.
South Africa encompasses about 1,200,000 km2 and has about 10% of all plant species on Earth. It is
the third most biodiverse country in the world, and together with seventeen other countries, is considered
mega diverse which means those countries contain 70% of the planet's biodiversity. South Africa's unique
geography allows the country to support such a diverse population of plants and animals. This makes South
Africa an interesting travel destination to many.
3.3.1.2 Benets to visitors, locals and the environment
Eco-tourism is a mutually benecial practice for visitors, locals and the environment.
Eco-tourism has the potential to alleviate poverty in South Africa through bringing money into the
economy and creating jobs for locals, while at the same time turning our great biodiversity and natural
resources into a national asset that will be nurtured, protected and grown. Tourism is the fastest growing
part of the South African economy
3.3.1.3 Ethical Issues
3.3.1.4 How to be a responsible ecotourist
Activity: debate about ecotourism.
Games online
Maintaining balance minimising impact on environment eg organisations
Career: interview with a conservationist, game ranger
IKS: trackers
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3.3.1.5 Rich media
3.3.1.6 Assignments
16 http://youtu.be/9GorqroigqM
17 This content is available online at <http://cnx.org/content/m41355/1.1/>.
18 http://ethemes.missouri.edu/themes/1382
110 CHAPTER 3. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES
Chapter 4
111
112 GLOSSARY
Glossary
Keywords are listed by the section with that keyword (page numbers are in parentheses). Keywords
do not necessarily appear in the text of the page. They are merely associated with that section. Ex.
apples, 1.1 (1) Terms are referenced by the page they appear on. Ex. apples, 1
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