Page 52 - The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 11 and 12: Science, 2008 (revised)

Grade 11, University Preparation
B1. analyse the effects of various human activities on the diversity of living things;
B2. investigate, through laboratory and/or field activities or through simulations, the principles of
scientific classification, using appropriate sampling and classification techniques;
B3. demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of living organisms in terms of the principles of taxonomy and phylogeny.
B1. Relating Science to Technology, Society, and the Environment
B2. Developing Skills of Investigation and Communication
THE ONTARIO CURRICULUM, GRADES 11 AND 12 | science
SPECIFIC EXPECTATIONS
Sample issue: Some scientists believe that we are in the early stages of a human-made mass extinction partly caused by rapid climate change. By the end of this course, students will:
Many species that cannot tolerate the change will become extinct. However, Earth’s history has B1.1 analyse some of the risks and benefits of
shown that extinction of some species creates human intervention (e.g., tree plantations;
opportunities for surviving species to adapt, monoculture of livestock or agricultural crops;
evolve, and flourish.
overharvesting of wild plants for medicinal
purposes; using pesticides to control pests; Sample questions: Why do higher temperatures suppression of wild fires) to the biodiversity affect the survival of some species in freshwater of aquatic or terrestrial ecosystems [AI, C] environments? Why would an increase in ocean temperatures endanger many species that Sample issue: Stocking lakes with fish provides
depend on coral as a home and food supply? In recreation for fishing enthusiasts and increases
what ways have longer growing seasons, which the amount of food available for humans and
may include a second harvest, affected the other animals. However, this practice also
biodiversity of agricultural lands? How might increases the competition for food, which could
species such as the Eastern Massasauga rattle- threaten native species and affect the natural
snake be affected by increased water levels in biodiversity of the aquatic ecosystem.
their habitats?
Sample questions: What types of conservation
efforts have been made to help protect local
wetlands from urban developments? In what
ways does the planting of native species in a
disturbed area help to improve the ecosystem?
By the end of this course, students will:
How and why might some species benefit from
human intervention?
B2.1 use appropriate terminology related to bio- diversity, including, but not limited to: genetic B1.2 analyse the impact that climate change might
diversity, species diversity, structural diversity, have on the diversity of living things (e.g., rising
protists, bacteria, fungi, binomial nomenclature, temperatures can result in habitat loss or expan-
and morphology [C]
sion; changing rainfall levels can cause drought
or flooding of habitats) [AI, C]
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B. diverSity of living thingS OVERALL EXPECTATIONS
By the end of this course, students will: