Phenology (IB Topic D4.2)

Essential Idea(s): Anthropogenic causes result in changes to Earth’s climate, resulting in ecological shifts and adaptations.

Unit Length: 2 AHL Lessons

  Guiding Question

◊ What are the impacts of climate change on ecosystems?

Materials:

Self-Teaching Slides Quizlet Vocab Set (SL + AHL)
Notes Template

 

IB Statement(s) and Objective(s)

 

Additional Higher Level

D4.3.9: Phenology as research into the timing of biological events

  • Define phenology
  • List variables that impact phenology
  • Define photoperiod
  • Outline tree budding and bird migration as  2 example events influenced by photoperiod  
  • Outline bird migration as an event influenced by photoperiod  

 

D4.3.10: Disruption to the synchrony of phenological events by climate change

  • Describe the cause and consequences of 2 examples of ecosystem desynchronization
    • Example 1: Growth of the Arctic chickweed and arrival of migrating reindeer
    • Example 2: Breeding of the great tit (Parus major) and peak biomass of caterpillars in north European forests

 

D4.3.11: Increases to the number of insect life cycles within a year due to climate change

  • Discuss changes in the number of annual insect life cycles due to climate change
  • Outline the impact of increase of the spruce bark beetle life cycle on spruce trees in North America

 

D4.3.12: Evolution as a consequence of climate change

  • Outline mechanisms by which climate change can influence evolution
  • Explain changes in the colors variants of the tawny owl as an example of evolution in response to climate change
Activities: ⓟ = podcast / ⍰ = inquiry 5 / ⓦ = Write it /  Ӕ = The academy  / Ⓡ = Read it

Teachers: Please email me at sph@wolfert.nl with any solid lesson plans for this topic. Thanks!