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Basics of Ecology:
6 Science DVD Programs
Aquatic Biomes: Oceans, Lakes, Rivers and Wetlands science DVD -
Begins by looking at the characteristics common to all aquatic
environments. The program then examines the littoral, limnetic and
profundal zones of freshwater lakes, the seasonal cycling of O2 and
nutrients, and the difference between oligotrophic and eutrophic lakes
before observing how life changes along the course of rivers and
explaining the ecological importance of wetlands. The photoc, aphotic,
and benthic ocean zones are then described and marine habitats such as
tide pools, kelp forests, coral reefs, and vent communities explored.Community Interactions: Competition, Predation, and Symbiosis
science DVD - First describes the concepts of community, coevolution and ecological
niche before looking at how competition results from overlapping
niches. The program then examines predator-prey relationships and the
various adaptations such as camouflage, warning coloration, mimicry and
chemical warfare that have evolved as a result of these relationships.
Symbiotic relationships such as parasitism, commensalism, and mutualism
are then explored. A discussion of primary and secondary succession
concludes the program.Terrestrial Biomes: Deserts, Grasslands, and Forests science DVD -
Starts by introducing the four requirements of life - nutrients,
energy, liquid water and temperatures appropriate for carrying out life
processes and then goes on to explain the factors such as latitude,
proximity to oceans, and elevation, that affect climate. Climates
relationship to the type of vegetation found in a biome is then
explained before introducing students to the major terrestrial biomes
including tropical rainforests, temperate rainforests, deciduous
forests, savannas, grasslands, chaparrals, taiga, tundra and deserts.How Ecosystems Work: Energy Flow and Nutrient Cycles science DVD -
Looks at the processes that are fundamental to all ecosystems. First
the concepts of primary productivity, trophic levels, food chains,
energy pyramids and the flow of energy through ecosystems are
introduced. The program then explains how carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous
and water cycle through ecosystems and how human activities can disrupt
these cycles and throw them out of balance leading to accelerated
eutrophication in lakes in the case of phosphorous imbalances and
global warming in the case of carbon imbalances.Populations: Biotic Potential, Environmental Resistance
science DVD - Initially looks at how population growth rates are calculated and
introduces the concepts of biotic potential, exponential growth and
environmental resistance before looking at boom-and-bust cycles and the
carrying capacity of ecosystems. Density independent limits to
population growth such as changes in the weather, as well as density
dependent limits such as predation, parasitism, and competition are
then examined. A discussion of the distribution of populations over
space and time concludes the program.Human Impact on the Biosphere science DVD - Introduces the concept
of biological magnification before looking at the various types of air
pollution and their relationship to phenomena such as smog, acid rain,
destruction of the ozone layer and global warming. The program then
examines the pollution of water by biodegradable and non-biodegradable
pollutants, pathogens, drugs and thermal pollution sources.
Deforestation, desertification and other habitat destruction is then
addressed along with the impact of such destruction on threatened and
endangered species.
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