The NGSS high school standards for Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems focus on understanding the complex interactions between organisms and their environments. This area of study examines how species interact with each other and with their physical surroundings, forming intricate ecosystems where each species plays a specific role. Students learn about the flow of energy and matter through ecosystems, the cycling of nutrients, and the dynamics of populations within these systems.
The standards highlight the balance of ecosystems and how changes—whether natural or human-induced—can impact the stability and health of these systems. Topics such as predator-prey relationships, competition, symbiosis, and the impacts of invasive species are explored to show how interconnected and dependent organisms are on one another for survival. Additionally, students investigate how ecosystems respond to disturbances and the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem resilience. This area of the NGSS helps students appreciate the complexity of ecological relationships and the importance of conservation and sustainability in preserving the natural world.
HS. Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems Review Sheets: HS-LS2-1: Carrying Capacity of Ecosystems : HS-LS2-2: Biodiversity and Populations in Ecosystems : HS-LS2-6: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience : HS-LS2-7: Human Impact Reduction Solution : HS-LS2-8: Social Interactions and Group Behavior