Mississippi Science MAQ.4

Standard Cluster

Students will examine characteristics of specific aquatic ecosystems and the effects of human and natural phenomena on those ecosystems. Compare and contrast the unique biotic and abiotic characteristics of the following selected aquatic ecosystems: intertidal zone, wetlands/estuaries, coral reef, barrier islands, continental slope/shelf, abyss, rivers/streams/watersheds, and lakes/ponds. Recognize representative examples of plants and animals that would be specifically adapted to the aquatic ecosystems and identify adaptations necessary to survive. Determine the niches within trophic levels in the aquatic ecosystems by creating food webs and researching the symbiotic relationships that exist. Research, analyze, and communicate the effects of urbanization and continued expansion by humans on the aquatic ecosystems’ biodiversity (e.g., land use changes, erosion and sedimentation, over-fishing, invasive/exotic species, and pollution). Explore the importance of species diversity to the biological resources needed by human populations, including food (e.g., aquaculture and mariculture), medicine, and natural aesthetics. Research, analyze, and communicate the effects of natural phenomena (e.g., hurricanes, floods, drought, and sea-level rise) on the aquatic ecosystems. Research, analyze, and communicate which and in what capacity local, state, and federal regulatory agencies are involved in different aquatic ecosystems, including current environmental policies already in place (e.g., the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act). Research should include, but is not limited to, how humans can preserve animal diversity using habitat creation and conservation, research, legislation, medical and breeding programs, and management of genetic diversity at local and global levels. Enrichment: Choose an environmental issue that currently exists in one of the aquatic ecosystems and use an engineering design process to propose and develop a solution using scientific knowledge and best management practices (BMPs). Create an environmental action plan to include moral, legal, societal, political, and economic decisions that impact animal diversity in both the short and long term. Results from developed plans will be communicated with classmates. *

2026 Mississippi College- and Career-Readiness Standards for Science · Flora and Fauna