CPALMS Logo Generated on 9/17/2025 at 7:34 PM
The webpage this document was printed/exported from can be found at the following URL:
https://www.cpalms.org//PreviewStandard/Preview/2035
Characterize the biotic and abiotic components that define freshwater systems, marine systems and terrestrial systems.
Standard #: SC.912.L.17.7
Standard Information
General Information
Subject Area: Science
Grade: 912
Body of Knowledge: Life Science
Standard: Interdependence -

A. The distribution and abundance of organisms is determined by the interactions between organisms, and between organisms and the non-living environment.

B. Energy and nutrients move within and between biotic and abiotic components of ecosystems via physical, chemical and biological processes.

C. Human activities and natural events can have profound effects on populations, biodiversity and ecosystem processes.
Date Adopted or Revised: 02/08
Content Complexity Rating: Level 2: Basic Application of Skills & Concepts - More Information
Date of Last Rating: 05/08
Status: State Board Approved
Related Courses
Related Resources
Educational Software / Tool
  • What Is It Like Where You Live? # This site offers an abundance of information on Earth's biomes (rainforest, tundra, taiga, desert, temperate, and grasslands), as well as marine and freshwater ecosystems. The site features relevant facts, pictures, maps, indigenous plants and animals, additional links, and much more.

    This resource is a wonderful reference, not a lesson plan. Teachers will need to provide an objective and structure for student interaction with the website.
Lesson Plans
  • Lesson 1: Exploring an Estuary #
    This lesson covers:
    • How environments can change from natural and human causes. • An introduction to estuaries.
    • Human, ecological, and economic importance of an estuary.
    • Specific features of the Indian River Lagoon and its importance. • How scientists study estuaries.
    • How researchers monitor water quality.
    • How to access, use, and interpret real-time water quality data.
  • Lesson 5: Harmful Algal Blooms #

     This lesson covers:

    •What harmful algal blooms are

    •How harmful algal blooms occur

    •Different types of harmful algal blooms and where they occur in Florida

  • Gr 9-12 Adaptations in Everglades Ecosystems, Lesson 1: Living on the Edge # Students will be able to distinguish among the types of mangroves common to Florida and understand their zonation within the coastal community. They will also be able to describe how mangroves, as an essential biotic component, help stabilize the coastline and protect it from erosion and storm surges. Lastly, students will provide argumentation supported by evidence for the protection of mangroves. 
  • Gr 9-10 Adaptations in Everglades Ecosystems, Lesson 2: Design A Perfect Beast # Students will be able to identify abiotic and biotic factors of an assigned Everglades ecosystem, discuss how these factors influence adaptations, and identify structural and behavioral adaptations that help organisms survive in their ecosystem. 
  • Gr 9-12 Adaptations in Everglades Ecosystems, Lesson 3: Crossing Lines # Students will be able to explain the concepts of ecotone and edge effect and describe how the edge effect relates to biological diversity in a watershed.
  • Determining Relative Salinity of Estuaries # Students will help their teacher figure out where her water samples came from by determining their relative salinity. With this information and a picture map of areas of the Intercoastal Waterway, they will locate possible sources of the samples.
  • Submarines of Jelly: The Remarkable Siphonophore # This lesson uses an informational text resource intended to support reading in the content area. The text informs readers about siphonophores, a relatively little-studied organism related to jellyfish and corals. It can grow as long as 160 ft. (49 m) and can move through the water column in a coordinated fashion, and knowledge of its locomotion may help humans propel themselves efficiently underwater. The lesson plan includes a note-taking guide, text-dependent questions, a writing prompt, answer keys, and a writing rubric. Numerous options to extend the lesson are also included.
  • Where in the World?! # This lesson is intended to teach students regarding similarities and differences that are found within and between terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Students will become familiar with major terrestrial biomes and major aquatic biomes.
  • Exploring Florida Ecosystems # Students explore the general definition of an ecosystem and reinforce the idea using ephemeral wetlands as a specific example. Students apply and share knowledge through presentations about specific Florida ecosystems.
Original Student Tutorial
  • Ant Populations in the Kenyan Savannah # Explore living and nonliving factors affecting populations of ants in Kenya and learn a bit about the importance of the acacia tree in this savannah ecosystem. 
Perspectives Video: Expert
Perspectives Video: Professional/Enthusiast
Perspectives Video: Teaching Idea
Text Resource
  • Clues to Future of Undersea Exploration May Reside Inside a Jellyfish-like Creature # This informational text resource is designed to support reading in the content area. The article relates the findings of a study by four scientists about siphonophores, a relatively little-studied organism related to jellyfish and corals. Their study focuses on this organism's ability to move through the water column in a coordinated fashion and how this knowledge may help humans propel themselves efficiently underwater.
Original Student Tutorials Science - Grades 9-12
  • Ant Populations in the Kenyan Savannah # Explore living and nonliving factors affecting populations of ants in Kenya and learn a bit about the importance of the acacia tree in this savannah ecosystem. 
Print Page | Close this window