Earth Systems and Ecology aims to equip Learners with the ability to understand the fundamental concepts of Earth's physical systems and ecological principles. Learners can recognise the structure and functions of the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere and relate these to ecological interactions, energy flow and nutrient cycling. Upon successful completion, Learners have an informed awareness of the importance of earth systems and ecological knowledge to environmental science and careers within environmental and related professions. This unit forms part of the ICM Level 3 Environmental Science Professional Qualification.
The Lithosphere
- Structure of the Earth: crust, mantle, core
- Plate tectonics: boundaries, earthquakes and volcanism
- Rock types: igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic
- Weathering and erosion processes
- Soil formation and development
The Hydrosphere
- Distribution of water on Earth
- The water cycle: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, runoff
- Oceans: currents, tides and marine systems
- Freshwater systems: rivers, lakes and wetlands
- Groundwater: aquifers and water table
The Atmosphere
- Composition of the atmosphere
- Atmospheric layers: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere
- Weather and climate: basic distinctions
- Atmospheric circulation patterns
- The greenhouse effect and global warming
The Biosphere
- Distribution of life on Earth
- Major biomes: tropical rainforest, temperate forest, grassland, desert, tundra, aquatic
- Adaptations of organisms to different environments
- Biodiversity hotspots globally
Ecosystem Structure and Function
- Ecosystem components: abiotic and biotic
- Habitat and niche
- Energy flow: trophic levels and ecological pyramids
- Primary productivity: gross and net
- Decomposition and nutrient release
Biogeochemical Cycles
- The carbon cycle: reservoirs, fluxes and human influence
- The nitrogen cycle: fixation, nitrification, assimilation, denitrification
- The phosphorus cycle: weathering, uptake, decomposition
- The water cycle: storage and movement
- Human disruption of biogeochemical cycles
Ecological Interactions
- Competition: intraspecific and interspecific
- Predation and herbivory
- Symbiosis: mutualism, commensalism, parasitism
- Keystone species and ecosystem engineers
Ecological Change and Succession
- Primary succession: colonisation of bare rock
- Secondary succession: re-colonisation after disturbance
- Climax communities and alternative stable states
- Natural and human-induced disturbances
- Resilience and resistance in ecosystems
Ecosystem Services
- Provisioning services: food, water, timber, fibre
- Regulating services: climate regulation, flood control, water purification
- Supporting services: nutrient cycling, soil formation, primary production
- Cultural services: recreation, aesthetic, spiritual values
- Valuation of ecosystem services
Example Candidate Response Booklet
Example Candidate Response (ECR) Booklets are a source of crucial information for Centres and Candidates as they use real candidate responses. We ask Senior Examiners to comment on five or more responses in terms of why the mark was awarded with commentary about how to improve the answer (if necessary).
