Ecosystems, Resources, and Society

This unit examines biological diversity, ecosystem structure, energy and matter flows, and the human activities that alter them. Students investigate pollution, resource extraction, agricultural and energy systems, and the roles of policy and Indigenous knowledge in conservation, using quantitative reasoning and case studies to evaluate solutions.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze interconnections among evolution, species interactions, biomes, energy flow, and ecosystem services by interpreting data, models, and case studies
• Evaluate the environmental and social impacts of resource extraction, agriculture, and energy options (e.g., mining, biofuels, hydropower, the Green Revolution, fast fashion) and propose sustainable mitigation or management strategies
• Apply quantitative and scientific reasoning to assess pollution and toxic exposure scenarios, including calculating energy transfers, pollutant persistence, exposure pathways, and distinguishing point versus nonpoint sources while quantifying uncertainty
• Evaluate the effectiveness of governance tools and ethical frameworks—including international agreements (e.g., CITES, CBD), local policies, and Indigenous knowledge—in conserving biodiversity and guiding equitable resource management