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Revision summary help for the AQA GCSE 9-1 Combined Science Trilogy biology 2 exam paper - learning objectives for exam paper (re-edit) AQA GCSE science 8464/B/2F and 8464/B/2H 2020 examination paper onwards AQA Grade 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy 8464 biology Paper 2 2F 2H papers - AQA GCSE Combined Science TRILOGY biology paper 2 Topic 5 "Homeostasis and response", Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and evolution", Topic 7 "Ecology" LINK for AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Biology Paper 1 LINK for AQA GCSE BIOLOGY 1 Paper 1 LINK for AQA GCSE BIOLOGY 2 Paper 2 This is a BIG website, you need to take time to explore it [SEARCH BOX] Use your mobile phone in 'landscape' orientation? email doc brown - query? or comment? For ALL other exam papers, use and bookmark the link below PLEASE READ CAREFULLY THE FOLLOWING POINTS before using my AQA 9-1 GCSE science pages
Syllabus-specification CONTENT INDEX of revision summary notes (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) Revision summaries for AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Biology Paper 1 What's assessed in this paper? Topics 1-4 (on a separate page) SUMMARY Topic 1. Cell biology (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Biology Paper 1) SUMMARY Topic 2. Organisation (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Biology Paper 1) SUMMARY Topic 3. Infection and response (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Sci. Trilogy Biology Paper 1) SUMMARY Topic 4. Bioenergetics (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Biology Paper 1) Revision summaries for AQA GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2
SUMMARY Topic 5. Homeostasis and response (AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy Biology Paper 2) Topic 5.2 The human nervous system Topic 5.3 Hormonal coordination in humans Topic 6.2 Variation and evolution Topic 6.3 The development of understanding of genetics and evolution Topic 6.4 Classification of living organisms SUMMARY Topic 7. Ecology (also Topic 7 AQA Combined Science Trilogy Paper 2) Topic 7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition Topic 7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem Topic 7.3 Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems
SUBJECT CONTENT of the science AQA syllabus-specification biology part of 8464 Fundamental biological concepts and principles needed for BOTH biology papers. TOPICS for AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy Biology paper 2 (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) Topic 5 Homeostasis and response (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 5 "Homeostasis") Know that cells in the body can only survive within narrow physical and chemical limits. They require a constant temperature and pH as well as a constant supply of dissolved food and water. In order to do this the body requires control systems that constantly monitor and adjust the composition of the blood and tissues. These control systems include receptors which sense changes and effectors that bring about changes. This section explores the structure and function of the nervous system and how it can bring about fast responses. Know that its the hormonal system which usually brings about much slower changes. Hormonal coordination is particularly important in reproduction since it controls the menstrual cycle. An understanding of the role of hormones in reproduction has allowed scientists to develop not only contraceptive drugs but also drugs which can increase fertility. Know that homeostasis is the regulation of the internal conditions of a cell or organism to maintain optimum conditions for function in response to internal and external changes. Topic 5.1 Homeostasis (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 5 "Homeostasis") Topic 5.1 Homeostasis (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) The Importance of homeostasis (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to explain that homeostasis is the regulation of the internal conditions of a cell or organism to maintain optimum conditions for function in response to internal and external changes. You should be able to explain the importance of homeostasis in maintaining optimal conditions for enzyme action and all cell functions. Homeostasis maintains optimal conditions for enzyme action and all cell functions. In the human body, these include control of:
These automatic control systems may involve nervous responses or chemical responses. All control systems include:
Homeostasis - introduction to how it functions (negative feedback systems explained) Homeostasis - control of blood sugar level - insulin and diabetes Homeostasis - water control, urea and ion concentrations and kidney function Homeostasis - thermoregulation, control of temperature An introduction to the nervous system including the reflex arc
Topic 5.2 The human nervous system (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 5 "Homeostasis") 5.2.1 Structure and function (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to explain how the structure of the nervous system is adapted to its functions. The nervous system enables humans to react to their surroundings and to coordinate their behaviour. Information from receptors passes along cells (neurones) as electrical impulses to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is the brain and spinal cord. The CNS coordinates the response of effectors which may be muscles contracting or glands secreting hormones.
You should be able to explain how the various structures in a reflex arc relate to their function and understand why reflex actions are important. Reflex actions are automatic and rapid; they do not involve the conscious part of the brain. In a simple reflex action such as a pain withdrawal reflex:
You should understand why reflex actions are important. You should be able to extract and interpret data from graphs, charts and tables, about the functioning of the nervous system. You should be able to translate information about reaction times between numerical and graphical forms. Revise required practical 5: Investigating the effect of a factor on human reaction time. An introduction to the nervous system including the reflex arc
Topic 5.3 Hormonal coordination in humans (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 5 "Homeostasis") 5.3.1 Human endocrine system (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to describe the principles of hormonal coordination and control by the human endocrine system. The endocrine system is composed of glands which secrete chemicals called hormones directly into the bloodstream. The blood carries the hormone to a target organ where it produces an effect. Be able to compared to the nervous system the effects are slower but act for longer. The pituitary gland in the brain is a ‘master gland’ which secretes several hormones into the blood in response to body conditions. These hormones in turn act on other glands to stimulate other hormones to be released to bring about effects. You should be able to identify the position of the following on a diagram of the human body:
Hormone systems - Introduction to the endocrine system - adrenaline & thyroxine hormones 5.3.2 Control of blood glucose concentration (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) Know that blood glucose concentration is monitored and controlled by the pancreas. If the blood glucose concentration is too high, the pancreas produces the hormone insulin that causes glucose to move from the blood into the cells. In liver and muscle cells excess glucose is converted to glycogen for storage. You should be able to explain how insulin controls blood glucose (sugar) levels in the body. Type 1 diabetes is a disorder in which the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin. It is characterised by uncontrolled high blood glucose levels and is normally treated with insulin injections. In Type 2 diabetes the body cells no longer respond to insulin produced by the pancreas. A carbohydrate controlled diet and an exercise regime are common treatments. Obesity is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes. You should be able to compare Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and explain how they can be treated. You should be able to extract information and interpret data from graphs that show the effect of insulin in blood glucose levels in both people with diabetes and people without diabetes. (HT only) If the blood glucose concentration is too low, the pancreas produces glucagon that causes glycogen to be converted into glucose and released into the blood. (HT only) You should be able to explain how glucagon interacts with insulin in a negative feedback cycle to control blood glucose (sugar) levels in the body. Homeostasis - control of blood sugar level - insulin and diabetes Keeping healthy - diet and exercise, diabetes, body/mass/hip indexes 5.3.3 Hormones in human reproduction (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 5 "Homeostasis") You should be able to describe the roles of hormones in human reproduction, including the menstrual cycle. During puberty reproductive hormones cause secondary sex characteristics to develop. Oestrogen is the main female reproductive hormone produced in the ovary. At puberty eggs begin to mature and one is released approximately every 28 days. This is called ovulation. Testosterone is the main male reproductive hormone produced by the testes and it stimulates sperm production. Several hormones are involved in the menstrual cycle of a woman.
(HT only) You should be able to explain the interactions of FSH, oestrogen, LH and progesterone, in the control of the menstrual cycle. (HT only) You should be able to extract and interpret data from graphs showing hormone levels during the menstrual cycle. Hormone systems - menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility treatments
5.3.4 Contraception (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 5 "Homeostasis") You should be able to evaluate the different hormonal and non-hormonal methods of contraception. Fertility can be controlled by a variety of hormonal and nonhormonal methods of contraception. These include:
Be able to show why issues around contraception cannot be answered by science alone. Be able to explain everyday and technological applications of science; evaluate associated personal, social, economic and environmental implications; and make decisions based on the evaluation of evidence and arguments. Hormone systems - menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility treatments 5.3.5 The use of hormones to treat infertility (HT only) (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 5 "Homeostasis") You should be able to explain the use of hormones in modern reproductive technologies to treat infertility. This includes giving FSH and LH in a 'fertility drug' to a woman whose own level of FSH is too low to stimulate eggs to mature. She may then become pregnant in the normal way. In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment.
Note that developments of microscopy techniques have enabled IVF treatments to develop. You should understand social and ethical issues associated with IVF treatments. Although fertility treatment gives a woman the chance to have a baby of her own:
Be able to evaluate from the perspective of patients and doctors the methods of treating infertility. Hormone systems - menstrual cycle, contraception, fertility treatments gcse biology revision notes 5.3.6 Negative feedback (HT only) (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 5 "Homeostasis") You should be able to explain the roles of thyroxine and adrenaline in the body as negative feedback systems. Adrenaline is produced by the adrenal glands in times of fear or stress. It increases the heart rate and boosts the delivery of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles, preparing the body for ‘flight or fight’. Thyroxine from the thyroid gland stimulates the basal metabolic rate. It plays an important role in growth and development. Thyroxine levels are controlled by negative feedback. Be able to interpret and explain simple diagrams of negative feedback control. Homeostasis - introduction to how it functions (negative feedback systems explained) Hormone systems - Introduction to the endocrine system - adrenaline & thyroxine hormones
Topic 6 Inheritance, variation and evolution (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") In Topic 6 you will discover how the number of chromosomes are halved during meiosis and then combined with new genes from the sexual partner to produce unique offspring. Gene mutations occur continuously and on rare occasions can affect the functioning of the animal or plant. These mutations may be damaging and lead to a number of genetic disorders or death. Very rarely a new mutation can be beneficial and consequently, lead to increased fitness in the individual. Variation generated by mutations and sexual reproduction is the basis for natural selection; this is how species evolve. An understanding of these processes has allowed scientists to intervene through selective breeding to produce livestock with favoured characteristics. Once new varieties of plants or animals have been produced it is possible to clone individuals to produce larger numbers of identical individuals all carrying the favourable characteristic. Scientists have now discovered how to take genes from one species and introduce them in to the genome of another by a process called genetic engineering. In spite of the huge potential benefits that this technology can offer, genetic modification still remains highly controversial. Topic 6.1 Reproduction (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") 6.1.1 Sexual and asexual reproduction (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should understand that meiosis leads to non-identical cells being formed while mitosis leads to identical cells being formed. Sexual reproduction involves the joining (fusion) of male and female gametes:
In sexual reproduction there is mixing of genetic information which leads to variety in the offspring. The formation of gametes involves meiosis. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and no fusion of gametes. There is no mixing of genetic information. This leads to genetically identical offspring (clones). Only mitosis is involved. Cell division - cell cycle - mitosis, meiosis, sexual/asexual reproduction, binary fission 6.1.2 Meiosis (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to explain how meiosis halves the number of chromosomes in gametes and fertilisation restores the full number of chromosomes. Cells in reproductive organs divide by meiosis to form gametes. When a cell divides to form gametes:
Gametes join at fertilisation to restore the normal number of chromosomes. The new cell divides by mitosis. The number of cells increases. As the embryo develops cells differentiate.
CELL DIVISION - cell cycle - mitosis and meiosis in sexual and asexual reproduction 6.1.3 DNA and the genome (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") You should be able to describe the structure of DNA and define genome. The genetic material in the nucleus of a cell is composed of a chemical called DNA. DNA is a polymer made up of two strands forming a double helix. The DNA is contained in structures called chromosomes. A gene is a small section of DNA on a chromosome. Each gene codes for a particular sequence of amino acids, to make a specific protein. DNA structure and Protein Synthesis The genome of an organism is the entire genetic material of that organism. The whole human genome has now been studied and this will have great importance for medicine in the future. You should be able to discuss the importance of understanding the human genome. This is limited to the:
6.1.4 Genetic inheritance (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") You should be able to explain the following ten terms:
Some characteristics are controlled by a single gene, such as: fur colour in mice; and red-green colour blindness in humans. Each gene may have different forms called alleles. The alleles present, or genotype, operate at a molecular level to develop characteristics that can be expressed as a phenotype. A dominant allele is always expressed, even if only one copy is present. A recessive allele is only expressed if two copies are present (therefore no dominant allele present). If the two alleles present are the same the organism is homozygous for that trait, but if the alleles are different they are heterozygous. Most characteristics are a result of multiple genes interacting, rather than a single gene. You should be able to understand the concept of probability in predicting the results of a single gene cross, but recall that most phenotype features are the result of multiple genes rather than single gene inheritance. You should be able to use direct proportion and simple ratios to express the outcome of a genetic cross. You should be able to complete a Punnett square diagram and extract and interpret information from genetic crosses and family trees. (HT only) You should be able to construct a genetic cross by Punnett square diagram and use it to make predictions using the theory of probability. An introduction to genetic variation and the formation and consequence of mutations 6.1.5 Inherited disorders (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") Know that some disorders are inherited. These disorders are caused by the inheritance of certain alleles.
You should make informed judgements about the economic, social and ethical issues concerning embryo screening, given appropriate information. You should appreciate that embryo screening and gene therapy may alleviate suffering but consider the ethical issues which arise. Introduction to the inheritance of characteristics and genetic diagrams (including Punnett squares) An introduction to genetic variation and the formation and consequence of mutations 6.16 Sex determination (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") Know that ordinary human body cells contain 23 pairs of chromosomes. 22 pairs control characteristics only, but one of the pairs carries the genes that determine sex.
You should to be able to carry out a genetic cross to show sex inheritance. You should understand and be able to use direct proportion and simple ratios in genetic crosses Inherited characteristics and human sexual reproduction, genetic fingerprinting and its uses
Topic 6.2 Variation and evolution (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") 6.2.1 Variation (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to describe simply how the genome and its interaction with the environment influence the development of the phenotype of an organism. Differences in the characteristics of individuals in a population is called variation and may be due to differences in:
You should be able to:
Know that mutations occur continuously. Very rarely a mutation will lead to a new phenotype. If the new phenotype is suited to an environmental change it can lead to a relatively rapid change in the species (can eventually result in a new species - speciation) An introduction to genetic variation and the formation and consequence of mutations 6.2.2 Evolution (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to describe evolution as a change in the inherited characteristics of a population over time through a process of natural selection which may result in the formation of a new species. The theory of evolution by natural selection states that all species of living things have evolved from simple life forms that first developed more than three billion years ago. You should be able to explain how evolution occurs through natural selection of variants that give rise to phenotypes best suited to their environment. If two populations of one species become so different in phenotype that they can no longer interbreed to produce fertile offspring they have formed two new species. Be able to use the theory of evolution by natural selection in an explanation
6.2.3 Selective breeding (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to explain the impact of selective breeding of food plants and domesticated animals. Selective breeding (artificial selection) is the process by which humans breed plants and animals for particular genetic characteristics. Humans have been doing this for thousands of years since they first bred food crops from wild plants and domesticated animals. Selective breeding involves choosing parents with the desired characteristic from a mixed population. They are bred together. From the offspring those with the desired characteristic are bred together. This continues over many generations until all the offspring show the desired characteristic. The characteristic can be chosen for usefulness or appearance:
Appreciate that selective breeding can lead to ‘inbreeding’ where some breeds are particularly prone to disease or inherited defects. Be able to explain the benefits and risks of selective breeding given appropriate information and consider related ethical issues. 6.2.4 Genetic engineering (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to describe genetic engineering as a process which involves modifying the genome of an organism by introducing a gene from another organism to give a desired characteristic. Plant crops have been genetically engineered to be resistant to diseases or to produce bigger better fruits. Bacterial cells have been genetically engineered to produce useful substances such as human insulin to treat diabetes. You should be able to explain the potential benefits and risks of genetic engineering in agriculture and in medicine and that some people have objections. In genetic engineering, genes from the chromosomes of humans and other organisms can be ‘cut out’ and transferred to cells of other organisms. Crops that have had their genes modified in this way are called genetically modified (GM) crops. GM crops include ones that are resistant to insect attack or to herbicides. GM crops generally show increased yields. Concerns about GM crops include the effect on populations of wild flowers and insects. Some people feel the effects of eating GM crops on human health have not been fully explored. Modern medical research is exploring the possibility of genetic modification to overcome some inherited disorders. (HT only) You should be able to describe the main steps in the process of genetic engineering. (HT only) In genetic engineering:
(HT only) Be able to interpret information about genetic engineering techniques and to make informed judgements about issues concerning cloning and genetic engineering, including GM crops. Genetic engineering: uses - making insulin, medical applications, GM crops, food security
Topic 6.3 The development of understanding of genetics and evolution (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) 6.3.1 Evidence for evolution (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") You should be able to describe the evidence for evolution including fossils and antibiotic resistance in bacteria. The theory of evolution by natural selection is now widely accepted. Evidence for Darwin’s theory is now available as it has been shown that characteristics are passed on to offspring in genes. There is further evidence in the fossil record and the knowledge of how resistance to antibiotics evolves in bacteria. Appreciate that data is now available to support the theory of evolution. 6.3.2 Fossils (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") Fossils are the ‘remains’ of organisms from hundreds of thousands of years ago, which are found in rocks. Fossils may be formed:
Many early forms of life were soft-bodied, which means that they have left few traces behind. What traces there were have been mainly destroyed by geological activity. This is why scientists cannot be certain about how life began on Earth. We can learn from fossils how much or how little different organisms have changed as life developed on Earth. Be able to extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables such as evolutionary trees. You should appreciate why the fossil record is incomplete and understand how scientific methods and theories about evolution have developed over time. 6.3.3 Extinction (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") Extinctions occur when there are no remaining individuals of a species still alive. You should be able to describe factors which may contribute to the extinction of a species. eg extinction may be caused by: changes to the environment over geological time, new predators, new diseases, new, more successful, competitors, a single catastrophic event such as a massive volcanic eruptions or collisions with asteroids. 6.3.4 Resistant bacteria (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") Know that bacteria can evolve rapidly because they reproduce at a fast rate. Mutations of bacterial pathogens produce new strains. Some strains might be resistant to antibiotics, and so are not killed. They survive and reproduce, so the population of the resistant strain rises. The resistant strain will then spread because people are not immune to it and there is no effective treatment. MRSA is resistant to antibiotics. To reduce the rate of development of antibiotic resistant strains:
The development of new antibiotics is costly and slow and is unlikely to keep up with the emergence of new resistant strains.
Topic 6.4 Classification of living organisms (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 6 "Inheritance, variation and selection") Know that traditionally living things have been classified into groups depending on their structure and characteristics in a system described by Carl Linnaeus. Linnaeus classified living things into kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus and species. Organisms are named by the binomial system of genus and species. You should be able to use information given to show understanding of the Linnaean system. You should be able to describe the impact of developments in biology on classification systems. As evidence of internal structures became more developed due to improvements in microscopes, and the understanding of biochemical processes progressed, new models of classification were proposed. Due to evidence available from chemical analysis there is now a ‘three-domain system’ developed by Carl Woese. In this system organisms are divided into:
Evolutionary trees are a method used by scientists to show how they believe organisms are related. They use current classification data for living organisms and fossil data for extinct organisms. Be able to interpret evolutionary trees. Introduction to plant and animal cell structure and function
Topic 7 Ecology (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 7 "Ecology") Know that the Sun is a source of energy that passes through ecosystems. Materials including carbon and water are continually recycled by the living world, being released through respiration of animals, plants and decomposing microorganisms and taken up by plants in photosynthesis. All species live in ecosystems composed of complex communities of animals and plants dependent on each other and that are adapted to particular conditions, both abiotic and biotic. These ecosystems provide essential services that support human life and continued development. In order to continue to benefit from these services humans need to engage with the environment in a sustainable way. Appreciate how humans are threatening biodiversity as well as the natural systems that support it and be able to consider some actions we need to take to ensure our future health, prosperity and well-being. Topic 7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 7 "Ecology") Adaptations, lots of examples explained including extremophiles Carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle and decomposition Ecosystems - biotic & abiotic factors - interactions between organisms - interdependency Food chains, food webs and biomass 7.1.1 Communities (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to describe:
You should be able to, when provided with appropriate information:
An ecosystem is the interaction of a community of living organisms (biotic) with the non-living (abiotic) parts of their environment. To survive and reproduce, organisms require a supply of materials from their surroundings and from the other living organisms there. Plants in a community or habitat often compete with each other for light and space, and for water and mineral ions from the soil. Animals often compete with each other for food, mates and territory. Within a community each species depends on other species for food, shelter, pollination, seed dispersal etc. If one species is removed it can affect the whole community. This is called interdependence. A stable community is one where all the species and environmental factors are in balance so that population sizes remain fairly constant. You should be able to extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables relating to the interaction of organisms within a community. Ecosystems - biotic & abiotic factors - interactions between organisms - interdependency Food chains, food webs, trophic levels and biomass 7.1.2 Abiotic factors (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to explain how a change in an abiotic factor would affect a given community given appropriate data or context. Abiotic (non-living) factors which can affect a community are:
You should be able to extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables relating to the effect of abiotic factors on organisms within a community. Ecosystems - biotic & abiotic factors - interactions between organisms - interdependency Food chains, food webs, trophic levels and biomass
7.1.3 Biotic factors (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to explain how a change in a biotic factor might affect a given community given appropriate data or context. Biotic (living) factors which can affect a community are:
You should be able to extract and interpret information from charts, graphs and tables relating to the effect of biotic factors on organisms within a community. Ecosystems - biotic & abiotic factors - interactions between organisms - interdependency 7.1.4 Adaptations (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to explain how organisms are adapted to live in their natural environment, given appropriate information. Organisms have features (adaptations) that enable them to survive in the conditions in which they normally live. These adaptations may be structural, behavioural or functional. Some organisms live in environments that are very extreme, such as at high temperature, great pressure, or high salt concentration. These organisms are called extremophiles. Bacteria living in deep sea vents are extremophiles.
Topic 7.2 Organisation of an ecosystem (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 7 "Ecology") 7.2.1 Levels of organisation (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should understand that photosynthetic organisms are the producers of biomass for life on Earth. Feeding relationships within a community can be represented by food chains. All food chains begin with a producer which synthesises molecules. This is usually a green plant which makes glucose by photosynthesis. A range of experimental methods using transects and quadrats are used by ecologists to determine the distribution and abundance of species in an ecosystem. In relation to abundance of organisms you should be able to:
Producers are eaten by primary consumers, which in turn may be eaten by secondary consumers and then tertiary consumers. Consumers that eat other animals are predators, and those eaten are prey. In a stable community the numbers of predators and prey rise and fall in cycles. You should be able to interpret graphs used to model these cycles. Required practical activity 9: You should have measured the population size of a common species in a habitat and use sampling techniques to investigate the effect of a factor on the distribution of this species. Food chains, food webs, trophic levels and biomass Biodiversity and ecological surveying - using quadrats and transects 7.2.2 How materials are cycled (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should:
All materials in the living world are recycled to provide the building blocks for future organisms. The carbon cycle returns carbon from organisms to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide to be used by plants in photosynthesis. The water cycle provides fresh water for plants and animals on land before draining into the seas. Water is continuously evaporated and precipitated.
You should be able to explain the role of microorganisms in cycling materials through an ecosystem by returning carbon to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and mineral ions to the soil. Be able to interpret and explain the processes in diagrams of the carbon cycle, the water cycle. Carbon cycle, nitrogen cycle, water cycle and decomposition
Topic 7.3 Biodiversity and the effect of human interaction on ecosystems (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) 7.3.1 Biodiversity (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) (revision notes summary for AQA 9-1 GCSE Combined Science Trilogy: Biology Paper 2, Topic 7 "Ecology") Biodiversity is the variety of all the different species of organisms on earth, or within an ecosystem. A great biodiversity ensures the stability of ecosystems due to the interdependencies of one species on another for food, shelter and the maintenance of the physical environment. Biodiversity helps the stability of ecosystems by reducing the dependence of one species on another for food, shelter and the maintenance of the physical environment. The future of the human species on Earth relies on us maintaining a good level of biodiversity. Many human activities are reducing biodiversity and only recently have measures been taken to try to stop this reduction. Be able to explain how waste, deforestation and global warming have an impact on biodiversity. Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation 7.3.2 Waste management (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) Rapid growth in the human population and an increase in the standard of living mean that increasingly more resources are used and more waste is produced. Unless waste and chemical materials are properly handled, more pollution will be caused. Pollution can occur:
Pollution kills plants and animals which can reduce biodiversity. Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation
7.3.3 Land use (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) Appreciate that humans reduce the amount of land available for other animals and plants by building, quarrying, farming and dumping waste. The destruction of peat bogs, and other areas of peat to produce garden compost, reduces the area of this habitat and thus the variety of different plant, animal and microorganism species that live there (decreasing biodiversity). The decay or burning of the peat releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. You need to understand the conflict between the need for cheap available compost to increase food production and the need to conserve peat bogs and peatlands as habitats for biodiversity and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation 7.3.4 Deforestation (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) Large-scale deforestation in tropical areas has occurred to:
Be able to evaluate the environmental implications of deforestation eg This destruction of large areas of trees has:
Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation 7.3.5 Global warming (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to describe some of the biological consequences of global warming. Levels of carbon dioxide and methane in the atmosphere are increasing, and contribute to ‘global warming’. You need to understand that the scientific consensus about global warming and climate change is based on systematic reviews of thousands of peer reviewed publications. Be able to explain why evidence is uncertain or incomplete in a complex context. Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation See also from GCSE chemistry notes Fossil fuel air pollution - incomplete combustion, carbon monoxide & soot particulates Pollution, Accidents and Economic Aspects of the Petrochemical Industry Greenhouse effect, global warming, climate change, carbon footprint from fossil fuel burning Fossil fuel air pollution - effects of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides 7.3.6 Maintaining biodiversity (revision study notes for AQA gcse combined science biology) You should be able to describe both positive and negative human interactions in an ecosystem and explain their impact on biodiversity. Scientists and concerned citizens have put in place programmes to reduce the negative effects of humans on ecosystems and biodiversity. These include:
Be able to evaluate given information about methods that can be used to tackle problems caused by human impacts on the environment. Be able to explain and evaluate the conflicting pressures on maintaining biodiversity given appropriate information. Biodiversity and ecological surveying - using quadrats and transects, methods of trapping animals Biodiversity, land management, waste management, maintaining ecosystems - conservation
ALL AQA GCSE (Grade 9-1) Level 1/Level 2 SCIENCES specifications and syllabus revision summary links AQA GCSE (Grade 9-1) BIOLOGY 8461 GCSE BIOLOGY 1st paper 1 (separate science Topics 1-4) AQA GCSE (Grade 9-1) BIOLOGY 8461 GCSE BIOLOGY 2nd paper 2 (separate science Topics 5-7) AQA GCSE (Grade 9-1) CHEMISTRY 8462 GCSE CHEMISTRY 1st Paper 1 (separate science Topics 1-5) AQA GCSE (Grade 9-1) CHEMISTRY 8462 GCSE CHEMISTRY 2nd Paper 2 (separate science Topics 6-10) AQA GCSE (Grade 9-1) PHYSICS 8463 GCSE PHYSICS 1st Paper 1 (separate science Topics 1-4) AQA GCSE (Grade 9-1) PHYSICS 8463 GCSE PHYSICS 2nd Paper 2 (separate science Topics 5-8) Watch out for HT Only sections AND make sure you know exactly which GCSE science course you are doing!
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