Argues that food webs are an efficient method through which to communicate the core idea of ecology--that all living things are interconnected. Assesses the challenges and solutions to using illustrated food webs. (Author/CCM)

Describes major desert aquatic habitats, including descriptions of environmental conditions characteristic of these areas and the adaptations of desert aquatic organisms to them. (CS)

Advocates including plants at several trophic levels when studying food chains. Presents background information on parasitic plants, myco-heterophytes (saprophytes), and carnivorous plants. Contains 20 references. (WRM)

Describes a simplified model for summarizing ecological relationships. The components of the ecological triangle are biotic, abiotic materials, and abiotic conditions. Discusses three-way component interactions, population studies, limiting factors of pollution on humans, and difficulties in establishing casual relationships in field research. (CS)

Advocates combining fundamental ideas from the fields of geography and environmental sociology that contribute to the field of human ecology in order to form a suprastructure for the analysis of current issues that are critical to global well-being. Illustrates concepts in a flow-chart that results in a cohesive structure revealing interrelated…

This unit is a part of a series of materials produced in a project to develop locally applicable class, lab, and field materials in ecology and social studies for Guam junior and senior high schools. While the materials were designed for Guam, many of the activities can be adapted to other localities. This unit covers ecological factors involving…

Identified some of the misconceptions held by secondary science students (N=232) related to selected ecological concepts and generalizations. Lists the alternative conceptions expressed by these students on food chains and energy flows and pyramids. Offers perspectives on dealing with the sources of the misconceptions. (ML)

Describes construction of a model ecosystem using a 10-gallon aquarium with a sand, water and air interface. Pesticides are placed on sorghum plants grown on the terrestrial portion. After 30 days, movement of the pesticide is traced using radioisotope techniques, from terrestrial to aquatic organisms. Details for calculating concentration factors…

Suggests that invasion biology can supply subject matter for teaching evolution, genetics, ecological relationships, and conservation. Describes flowering and non-flowering plant invaders, vertebrates and invertebrates, and two ecological invasions on the southern coast of England. (JN)

Discusses how the nature of the rock and, particularly, its fossils can be used in ecology courses for schools and colleges to help students to deduce the nature of the environment at the time the rock was deposited. A checklist and ways of identifying geological sites and fossils are included. (HM)

A portable and inexpensive blowfly trap, constructed from flower pots/buckets and mesh, suitable for introductory studies in blowfly succession is described. Investigations that examine species composition over time and the differences between baits are discussed. (KR)

Introduces a construction method for a bubble made of polyurethane plastic and its applications in an ecology classroom. Provides the materials list, directions for bubble construction, and classroom activities. (YP)

Presents generalizations regarding how running water systems change physically, chemically and biologically with stream order, i. e., from the tiny headwater streams (order 1) to those receiving first order headwater tributaries (order 2) and so on. Food chain diagrams respective of stream order are explained. Stream study projects are suggested.…

The value and difficulties of long-term ecological monitoring studies undertaken in schools and colleges are reviewed. Rookeries, stream ecology, sand dune succession, fish population, and seed production and survival are presented as examples of successful studies. This is followed by a discussion of points to consider when setting up a long-term…

Provided are background information, equipment lists, and procedures for four activities for teaching aquatic ecology. Activities include "The Aquatic Food Chain Game"; "Two-Liter Aqua-Vivariums"; "A Sealed World"; and "Weaving a Web: Evaluation." (CW)