1.2 The Living World

The Living World module explores the incredible variety of ecosystems on Earth and the delicate balance between people and nature. Ecosystems are communities of plants, animals, and the environment working together, from small pond habitats to vast global biomes. We study tropical rainforests, which are rich in biodiversity but threatened by deforestation, and consider how they can be managed sustainably for future generations. Hot deserts are also examined, including how life can survive in such extreme environments and the opportunities and challenges of developing these areas.

All students will learn and be tested on Ecosystems and Tropical Rainforests, however you will only either learn and be tested on Hot Deserts, OR Cold Environments, not both.

More specifically about desertification, where land becomes increasingly dry and unproductive, often due to human activity and climate change. Or cold environments such as the Arctic and Antarctica are studied, showing how development in these fragile ecosystems can bring both benefits and serious risks.

Hot Deserts includes:

• 1.2.5 Hot Deserts
• 1.2.6 Development of Hot Desert Environments
• 1.2.7 Desertification

Cold Environments includes:

• 1.2.8 Cold Environments
• 1.2.9 Development of Cold Environments
• 1.2.10 Economic Development in Cold Environments

This module helps us understand how ecosystems function, how humans use and sometimes damage them, and why protecting these environments is vital for people and the planet.