An Introduction to Ecosystems - 9.1, 9.2

Ecosystems – Edexcel GCSE (1BI0): Higher Tier

In this course, Dr Matt Ivory (Cardiff University) takes us through the topics of ecosystems covering sections 9.1-6, 9.7B & 9.8B, 9.9-9.10, 9.11B and 9.16B-9.19B in the Pearsons Edexcel GCSE Biology Specification (9-1) for Higher Tier. We start with (i) breaking down the constituent parts of ecosystems and discuss biotic and abiotic factors; following this (ii) we introduce how some species in ecosystems are interdependent on one another; we move on to some field-work techniques and introduce both quadrats (iii) as well as belt transects (iv); then (v) we breakdown how energy is transferred through the various layers of an ecosystem; we then (vi) stress the importance of biodiversity in creating a healthy ecosystem as well as how we can help maintain said ecosystem; then we tackle two global issues in food security (vii) as well as pollution (viii); we introduce (ix) ways to preserve food and decomposition; and finally we finish (x) with how to calculate rates of decay in biology material.

An Introduction to Ecosystems - 9.1, 9.2

In this first mini-lecture, we introduce ecosystems as covered in topics 9.1 and 9.2. We breakdown the constituent parts of ecosystems and define some key phrases such as community, population and habitat. We discuss what biotic and abiotic factors are and how they may impact ecosystems. Then we finish up by taking a look into the relationships some organisms have with each other in an ecosystem, such as competition or predation.