This article provides a comprehensive revision for the SSS 1 Biology syllabus for the second term. It covers topics such as basic ecological concepts, ecological management, tolerance, adaptation, pollution, conservation of natural resources, and reproduction. Each section is broken down into clear explanations with example questions for revision.
Week 1: Basic Ecological Concept
Ecology is the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment. It involves understanding ecosystems, which include both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) factors.
Key Points:
- Ecosystem: A system formed by the interaction of organisms and their physical environment.
- Biotic Factors: The living components of an ecosystem, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- Abiotic Factors: The non-living components, such as temperature, sunlight, and soil.
- Habitat and Niche: The habitat is where an organism lives, and the niche refers to its role within the ecosystem.
Example Questions:
- What is ecology?
- Define ecosystem and give two examples.
- What are biotic and abiotic factors in an ecosystem?
- Explain the difference between habitat and niche.
- How do abiotic factors influence an ecosystem?
- What are the main components of an ecosystem?
- How do living organisms interact with their environment?
- What role do plants play in an ecosystem?
- Name three abiotic factors that affect an ecosystem.
- How can changes in the environment affect an ecosystem?
Week 2: Ecological Management
Ecological management involves the sustainable use and protection of natural resources to maintain the balance of ecosystems. It is concerned with controlling human impact on the environment and ensuring the conservation of biodiversity.
Key Points:
- Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
- Biodiversity Conservation: The protection and management of biodiversity to prevent species extinction.
- Human Impact: Activities such as deforestation, pollution, and urbanization that disrupt ecosystems.
Example Questions:
- What is ecological management?
- Explain the concept of sustainable development.
- How can human activities disrupt ecosystems?
- What is biodiversity, and why is it important?
- Give two examples of ecological management practices.
- How does deforestation affect the environment?
- What are the consequences of overfishing on ecosystems?
- Why is it important to conserve biodiversity?
- How can pollution be controlled through ecological management?
- What are the roles of protected areas in ecological management?
Week 3: Tolerance
Tolerance in ecology refers to the ability of an organism to withstand environmental conditions. Organisms have different levels of tolerance to factors like temperature, moisture, and light.
Key Points:
- Tolerance Limits: The range of environmental conditions that an organism can endure.
- Optimum Range: The range of conditions where an organism thrives.
- Physiological Tolerance: The ability of an organism to survive in extreme conditions.
Example Questions:
- What is tolerance in ecology?
- Define tolerance limits.
- What factors affect an organism’s tolerance to its environment?
- Explain the concept of optimum range.
- How do different species adapt to their tolerance limits?
- What is physiological tolerance, and how does it affect organisms?
- How can extreme weather conditions impact organisms’ tolerance?
- Name three environmental factors that organisms must tolerate.
- What happens when an organism exceeds its tolerance limits?
- How does tolerance vary between different species?
Weeks 4 and 5: Adaptation
Adaptation is the process by which organisms develop characteristics that help them survive and reproduce in their specific environments. Adaptations can be structural, behavioral, or physiological.
Key Points:
- Structural Adaptation: Physical features that help an organism survive (e.g., camouflage, sharp claws).
- Behavioral Adaptation: Actions or behaviors that help organisms survive (e.g., migration, hibernation).
- Physiological Adaptation: Internal body processes that improve survival (e.g., sweating in humans to cool down).
Example Questions:
- What is adaptation in biology?
- Describe structural adaptations with an example.
- How do behavioral adaptations help organisms survive?
- What is the difference between structural and behavioral adaptations?
- Give an example of physiological adaptation in animals.
- How do organisms adapt to extreme temperatures?
- What is the role of adaptation in evolution?
- How does camouflage benefit organisms?
- Why do animals migrate, and how is this an adaptation?
- How do plants adapt to drought conditions?
Weeks 6 and 7: Pollution
Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment, causing negative impacts on ecosystems and human health. It includes air, water, and land pollution.
Key Points:
- Types of Pollution: Air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, and noise pollution.
- Causes of Pollution: Industrial activities, agricultural practices, and waste disposal.
- Effects of Pollution: Damage to ecosystems, health issues for humans and animals, and climate change.
Example Questions:
- What is pollution?
- Name the different types of pollution.
- What are the causes of air pollution?
- How does water pollution affect aquatic life?
- What are the effects of pollution on human health?
- How can soil pollution be prevented?
- Explain the impact of industrial activities on the environment.
- How does pollution contribute to climate change?
- What measures can be taken to reduce pollution?
- What role does government play in controlling pollution?
Week 8: Conservation of Natural Resources
Conservation refers to the sustainable use and protection of natural resources such as water, forests, and wildlife. It is vital for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring future generations have access to essential resources.
Key Points:
- Types of Natural Resources: Renewable (e.g., sunlight, wind) and non-renewable (e.g., coal, oil).
- Conservation Methods: Reducing consumption, recycling, habitat protection, and sustainable practices.
- Importance of Conservation: Ensuring the availability of resources, protecting ecosystems, and supporting biodiversity.
Example Questions:
- What is conservation of natural resources?
- Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.
- Why is it important to conserve natural resources?
- Name three methods of conservation.
- How can recycling contribute to resource conservation?
- What is sustainable agriculture, and how does it help conservation?
- How does deforestation affect the conservation of resources?
- Why is it important to protect wildlife habitats?
- How do conservation practices benefit future generations?
- What role do governments and organizations play in conservation?
Weeks 9 and 10: Reproduction
Reproduction is the biological process by which new individuals are produced from their parents. It is essential for the survival of species.
Key Points:
- Types of Reproduction: Sexual and asexual reproduction.
- Sexual Reproduction: Involves the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
- Asexual Reproduction: Involves the production of offspring from a single parent, without the involvement of gametes.
Example Questions:
- What is reproduction in biology?
- Explain the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction.
- What is a gamete, and what role does it play in reproduction?
- Describe the process of fertilization in sexual reproduction.
- How does asexual reproduction occur in plants?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction?
- Name two examples of organisms that reproduce asexually.
- What is binary fission, and in which organisms does it occur?
- How do reproductive strategies vary between different species?
- Why is reproduction vital for the survival of species?