Ecosystems


 * Understand how structures and systems of organisms (to include the human body) perform functions necessary for life.**

5.L.1.1 Explain why some organisms are capable of surviving as a single cell while others require many cells that are specialized to survive.

5.L.1.2 Compare the major systems of the human body (digestive, respiratory, circulatory, muscular, skeletal, and cardiovascular) in terms of their functions necessary for life.


 * Understand the interdependence of plants and animals with their ecosystem.**

5.L.2.1 Compare the characteristics of several common ecosystems, including estuaries and salt marshes, oceans, lakes and ponds, forests, and grasslands).

5.L.2.2 Classify the organisms within an ecosystem according to the function they serve: producers, consumers, or decomposers (biotic factors).

5.L.2.3 Infer the effects that may result from the interconnected relationship of plants and animals to their ecosystem.


 * Understand why organisms differ from or are similar to their parents based on the characteristics of the organism.**

5.L.3.1 Explain why organisms differ from or are similar to their parents based on the characteristics of the organism.

5.L.3.2 Give examples of likenesses that are inherited and some that are not.