GE10 Module 2 Answer

Lesson 1

MOTIVATION/PROMPTING QUESTIONS
 What role does evolution play in biodiversity?
The rich diversity of life on Earth has arisen from the process of evolution,
defined as the successive change in inherited traits and adaptations of
biological populations of organisms over time. Largely responsible are two
processes, mutation and natural selection, acting on a template of
environmental change, some of which is caused by the evolving life itself.

 What characteristics contribute to the stability of a community?

Becoming an environmentally friendly community can help making their

community stable and decrease the possibility of destructions of their
environment.

Learning Activity I
Instructions: Define each term using the vocabulary on your note-
taking charts. (10 points each)

Evolution Is a process that results in changes in the genetic content of a

population over time or the change in the characteristics of a
species over several generations and relies on the process of
natural selection

Biodiversity Are all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area, the variety
of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria
that make up our natural world. Each of these species and
organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to
maintain balance and support life.

Extinction Is the termination of a kind of organism or of a group of kinds,

usually a species? The moment of extinction is generally
considered to be the death of the last individual of the species,
although the capacity to breed and recover may have been lost
before this point
 Species A group of living organisms consisting of similar individuals
capable of exchanging genes or interbreeding. The species is the
principal natural taxonomic unit, ranking below a genus and
denoted by a Latin binomial

Theory Is a rational type of abstract thinking about a phenomenon, or the

results of such thinking? The process of contemplative and
rational thinking is often associated with such processes as
observational study or research.

Era Is a span of time defined for the purposes of chronology or

historiography, as in the regnal eras in the history of a given
monarchy, a calendar era used for a given calendar, or the
geological eras defined for the history of Earth. Comparable terms
are epoch, age, period, saeculum, Aeon and Sanskrit yuga

Learning Activity II

Instructions: Decide whether the following sentences make sense, paying attention to the underlined
word in each sentence. If the sentence makes sense, write YES in the space of the left, then explain why
it is logical. If the sentence does not make sense, write NO and explain why then rewrite the sentence,
changing only the part which seems illogical. (10 points each)

1. Yes, Tadpoles evolved into a frog and this process called Metamorphosis, and it is an amazing
transformation.
2. Yes, Speciation is an evolutionary process by which a new species comes into being. Speciation can be
driven by evolution, which is a process that results in the accumulation of many small genetic changes
called mutations in a population over a long period of time. The extinction of species is closely tied to
the process of natural selection and is thus a major component of progressive evolution.
3. No, Biodiversity loss describes the decline in the number, genetic variability, and variety of species,
and the biological communities in a given area. This loss in the variety of life can lead to a breakdown in
the functioning of the ecosystem where decline has happened. So it should be, when species become
extinct, biodiversity becomes lesser
4. Yes, Scientists call it the "theory of evolution", but this is in recognition of its well accepted scientific
standing. The term "theory" is being used in the same way that gravitational theory explains why, when
an apple falls from your hand, it goes towards the ground.
Practice Task/ Assessment

Instruction: Answer the following statements/questions comprehensively. (20 points each)

1. By the use of “Family Tree’’, describes the evolution of your family. Explain the concept of your family
tree

My grandfather, namely Jesus Gadingan, and my grandmother namely Corazon Gajunera on my father's
side met in a certain barangay and got married there. They got 3 sons namely Ramonito (4 th child), Javier
(3rd child), and Rolando Gadingan (7 th child) and 5 daughters, Rosalina (Deceased and Eldest child),
Jocelyn (2nd child), Lucila (5th child), Isadora (6th child), and Charilyn Gadingan (8th and youngest child).
They all lived together until they all went to Manila to work and left only their youngest sister Charilyn to
take care of their parents. My Lolo was born on January 16, 1928, and died on March 27, 1989, while my
Lola was born on June 24, 1939, and died on October 25, 2017. My father (Ramonito) when he was still
17 went to Manila to work and met my mother, Jendy Selma. The two of them got into a relationship
and got married. They have 3 children namely Jackie Gadingan (eldest), Jonnel Gadingan (2 nd child), and
Joanna Mae Gadingan (Youngest). We all live together with my Lola when she was still alive.
2. Illustrate the importance of the three domains in relation to the evolution of life.

 The importance of the three domains:

Bacteria – it can evolve quickly because they reproduce at a fast rate. Mutations of bacteria produce
new strains. Some bacteria might become resistant to certain antibiotics, such as penicillin, and cannot
be destroyed by the antibiotic. The evolution of the bacteria is an example of natural selection.

Archaea - are microorganisms that define the limits of life on Earth. It is known to be beneficial rather
than harmful to human health. They are important for reducing skin pH or keeping it at low levels, and
lower pH is associated with lower susceptibility to infections.

Eukaryote - These are tiny organelles in the cell not only produce chemical energy, but also hold the key
to understanding the evolution of the eukaryotic cell. The complex eukaryotic cell ushered in a whole
new era for life on Earth, because these cells evolved into multicellular organisms.

3. In your own understanding, explain the idea of evolution by Darwin.

 Theory of evolution, proposed by Charles Darwin, is defined as a theory that suggests that organisms
with the strongest and most desirable characteristics are best able to survive and reproduce. It states
that evolution happens by natural selection. Individuals in a species show variation in physical
characteristics. As a consequence, those individuals most suited to their environment survive and, given
enough time, the species will gradually evolve. There are four principles at work in evolution—variation,
inheritance, selection and time. These are considered the components of the evolutionary mechanism
of natural selection.

4. Distinguish between a diversity of species and a diversity of the environment

 Diversity of Species: Diversity of the Environment:
Number of different species that are represented Variety of different ecosystems within an area.
in a given community
Only includes biotic factors. Includes both biotic and abiotic factors
Only includes biotic interactions. Includes both biotic and abiotic interactions.
Describes biodiversity at a medium level. Describes biodiversity at a large level.

5. What do you think is the most significant aspect of biodiversity and evolution?

 The most significant aspect of Biodiversity is that, it is an ecological life support. Biodiversity provides
functioning ecosystems that supply oxygen, clean air and water, pollination of plants, pest control,
wastewater treatment and many ecosystem services.
 While the most significant aspect of evolution is that, it allows us to determine not only how and why
organisms have become the way they are, but also what processes are currently acting to modify or
change them. Response to change is a feature of evolution that is becoming increasingly important in
terms of scientific input into societal issues.

6. Explain the concept of evolution.

 The main concept of evolution is that, it’s a change in the genetic composition of a population over
successive generations. When we hear “evolution”, we often think of a progressive change. For
evolution to proceed, there are vital key players: genetic variation, natural selection, and genetic drift.
These characteristics are the expressions of genes that are passed on from parent to offspring during
reproduction. Evolution is also a process of growth and development or the theory that organisms have
grown and developed from past organisms. An example of evolution is how cell phones have changed
over time

7. What can be done to avoid the extinction of biodiversity?

 To avoid the extinction of biodiversity we humans must preserve the diversity of species, we should
sustain the utilization of species and ecosystems, and maintain life-supporting systems and essential
ecological processes. It is believed that an area with higher species abundance has a more stable
environment compared to an area with lower species abundance. We can further claim the necessity of
biodiversity by considering our degree of dependency on the environment. We depend directly on
various species of plants for our various needs. Similarly, we depend on various species of animals and
microbes for different reasons. Biodiversity is being lost due to the loss of habitat, over-exploitation of
resources, climatic changes, pollution, invasive exotic species, diseases, hunting, etc. Since it provides us
with several economic and ethical benefits and adds aesthetic value, it is very important to conserve
biodiversity.

8. Give any heritable characteristic that enhances a human organism’s ability to survive and reproduce
at a higher rate than the rest of the population.
  The characteristic that enhances a human organism’s ability to survive and reproduce at a higher rate
than the rest of the population is adaptation. These characteristics will give individuals an advantage
over others in surviving and reproducing.

Assignment
Instruction: Answer the following statements/questions comprehensively. (30 points)
1. Explain why the current estimation of the number of species on Earth is so speculative.

 The current estimation of the number of species on Earth is so speculative because there are many
pets of the earth that are unexplored. Deep oceans remain unexplored. Many bacteria and fungi are tiny
and easily overlooked. Many organisms are extremely difficult to identify and distinguish from other
species.

Our current rate of biodiversity loss means we are almost certainly losing species faster than we are
naming them. So, while our estimate of the number of species on the planet remains frustratingly
imprecise, the one thing we do know is that we have probably named and described only a tiny
percentage of living things.

Speculation as to how many species exist on Earth has excited scientists for at least 260 years, and
estimates vary by tens of millions. Even the number of described species is uncertain because an
inventory that accounts for multiple descriptions of species is not yet available.

Lesson 2.

MOTIVATION/PROMPTING QUESTIONS
 What do you think is the relationship between climate and life on Earth?
Global climate change has already had observable effects on the
environment. Glaciers have shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes is
breaking up earlier, plant and animal ranges have shifted and trees are
flowering sooner. Life on Earth may be affected if this continues to
happen, it affects the life of plants because of a sudden change of
weather, and we all know that plants is one of our source of food.

 What exactly is climate?

The weather conditions prevailing in an area in general or over a long

period

LEARNING ACTIVITY I
 You will be able to understand the causes and effects of climate change
by doing further research. Collect information from different sources and
complete the table below. (80 points)

Your Source Cause of Climate Effects of Climate Change

Change

Parents  Burning of Plastics  Global Warming

 Disruption of the
Ozone Layer

Friend at Your Age  Factories releasing  Increase in greenhouse

dirty smoke gasses.

 Air pollution

An Older Person  Deforestation  Floods

 Distraction of habitats

Internet Research  Volcanic eruption  Short-term global

cooling
 Gas drilling
 Massive air pollution
 Power plants
 Releasing a large
 Fertilizers containing amount of carbon dioxide
nitrogen. that cause pollution.
 Transportations  Traps heats that cause
greenhouse effect

 Air pollution

LEARNING ACTIVITY II
True or False. Explain your answer. (30 points each)
1.Plant growth is low, species diversity is limited, nutrient cycling is slow and water is scarce in desert
ecosystem.

True, the desert environment typically has very rare rainfall and the soils are typically dry and perhaps
even salty. The number of species that can tolerate the heat and dry conditions is very limited,
explaining the low species diversity.

2. Human activities have a significant effect on grassland habitats including overgrazing.

False, overgrazing results in obvious changes in the composition and structure of the plant community
and may lead to a significant decrease in the regenerative ability of grasslands, biomass, and the amount
of nutrients returned to the soil through litter, eventually leading to grassland degradation. Overgrazing
reduces the usefulness, productivity, and biodiversity of the land and is one cause of desertification and
erosion. Overgrazing is also seen as a cause of the spread of invasive species of non-native plants and of
weeds.

II. Create a slogan about biodiversity and climate. (40 points)

PRACTICE TASK/ ASSESSMENT

Answer the following statements/questions comprehensively. (20 points each)

1. Give at least 5 effects of climate change.

- Outdoor work could become unbearable

- Damage to home or property
- Higher electric bills and more blackouts
- More allergies and other health risks
- Water quality could suffer

2.What are some human activities that contributes to a climate change?

- The human activities that contribute to Climate Change are burning fossil fuels, releasing
 chemicals into the atmosphere, reducing the amount of forest cover, and the rapid expansion of
farming, development, and industrial activities that are releasing carbon dioxide into the
atmosphere and changing the balance of the climate system.

In addition, greenhouse gases and aerosols also affect climate by altering incoming solar
radiation and out-going infrared (thermal) radiation that are part of Earth’s energy balance.
Changing the atmospheric abundance or properties of these gases and particles can lead to a
warming or cooling of the climate system

3. Expound the differences and interactions between major climate zones and biomes.

- Climate zone is the average weather of a region over a long period of time. Climate zone is
typically classified according to air temperature and precipitation. A Biome is a biological
community based on similar vegetation spread out over a region that can encompass a limited
geographic area or an entire planet. Biomes and climates are both influenced by temperature
and precipitation. The main differences between climates and biomes are that climate zone is
primarily determined by temperature and precipitation while biomes are classified according to
the vegetation within them. Climate zone is primarily a matter of atmospheric processes while
biomes are a matter of biology and ecology. Furthermore, the climate determines what biomes
will be present while biomes do not determine the climate in the same way.

4. Climate and biodiversity are guided by which of the three concepts of biodiversity?

- Climate and biodiversity are guided by the concept of biodiversity which is the Ecosystem
Diversity

5. Describe one way that human activities are causing environment to be disrupted and
degraded.

- One way that human activities are causing environment to be disrupted and degraded by
overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have
triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. These negative
impacts can affect human behavior and can prompt mass migrations or battles over clean water

Provide your thoughts/opinions on the following statements. What impact does this have on today's
generation? (30 points each)

1. “Look close at nature. Every species is a masterpiece, exquisitely adapted to the particular
environment in which it has survived. Who are we to destroy or even diminish biodiversity?”
-EO. Wilson

Yes, all species in nature are unique and have different characteristics and habitats. They are the ones
who help balance our ecosystem and are a critical component of our environment. Every species in
nature plays a crucial role in the creation and maintenance of the ecosystem in which it lives. An
ecological role that animals play in their environment is to act as consumers, which is an important part
of the community dynamics and energy flows of the ecosystem. In most cases, humans destroy their
habitats and hunt them for food, resulting in the extinction of some species. Animals are severely
affected by the destruction of our environment, such as deforestation, mining, and burning fossil fuels.
Regardless of the costs, we don't care if the decision affects nature and the animals that live there as
long as we reach our goal. It’s not late to stop those activities that destroy our nature or diminish our
biodiversity. By planting more trees, stopping illegal activities, and being responsible for everything we
do, we can still preserve our nature.   

2. “I can’t imagine anything more important than air, water, soil, energy, and biodiversity. These are the
things that keeps us alive.”
-David Suzuki

Yes, the most important thing for survival is air, water, soil, energy, and biodiversity. These are the
needs that we wanted everyday and the rest are wants. I sometimes don’t understand why is there a
need for innovation when all we want is to survive in our everyday lives. Innovation makes things easier
and faster for us, but still, we all struggle to survive, so, there is no difference. It just causes destruction
on other habitats, and lead other animals to extinction. We need spaces for agriculture for us people to
sustain our needs and what we need is air, water, soil, energy, and biodiversity.

ASSIGNMENT

1.Assume that you were considering purchasing an off-road vehicle for recreational purposes. Will your
perspective shift now that you’ve read this module and learned about some of the issues surrounding
human disruptions of ecosystems? Explain why you think it is or why you don’t think it is the case.

- Its ironic if I will purchase an off-road vehicle for recreational purposes when my perspective is
to protect our surrounding. Off-road vehicle driving is considered as main contributor to land
degradation in arid regions. Off-road vehicles can directly affect desert ecosystems through the
fragmentation and loss of natural habitats within their tracks and the surrounding
environments. Such disturbances lead to changes in soil properties and vegetation composition,
and consequently affect the ecological functions and services of desert landscape. Therefore,
exploring the nature and extent of changes induced by off-road vehicles and the practices for
mitigating their negative impacts are necessary for maintaining and conserving of native
biodiversity and ecosystem processes in arid regions.