GCSE Geography — Ecosystems of the Planet

Led by Alexander von Humboldt Simulacrum

The first theme of the World Around Us component of OCR GCSE Geography A — the planet's ecosystems, from the global distribution of biomes to the tropical rainforest and coral reef in depth, hosted by the founder of biogeography.

1. Module 1

   Ecosystems and Their Global Distribution

   Led by Alexander von Humboldt Simulacrum

   The question

   What is an ecosystem, and why is each found where it is? You will study ecosystems as interdependent webs of abiotic (weather, climate, soil) and biotic (plants, animals, humans) components, then the global distribution and broad character of the major biomes — polar regions, coral reefs, grasslands, temperate forests, tropical rainforests, and hot deserts.

   Outcome

   You can explain what an ecosystem is, describe the distribution of the world's major biomes, and say why each is found where it is.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 1.1 Interdependent Components Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 1.2 The Global Distribution of Ecosystems Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Begin the course → Print certificate of completion
2. Module 2

   The Tropical Rainforest

   Led by Alexander von Humboldt Simulacrum

   The question

   How does the rainforest work, and why is it so fragile? You will locate the world's major rainforests and study the rainforest as a system — its climate and soils, its layered life and adaptations, its rapid nutrient cycle, its value to humans, and the issues in using and managing it sustainably.

   Outcome

   You can analyse the tropical rainforest as an interdependent ecosystem and account for both its richness and its fragility.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 2.1 The Rainforest as a System Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 2.2 Value and Sustainable Management Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion
3. Module 3

   The Coral Reef

   Led by Alexander von Humboldt Simulacrum

   The question

   How does a coral reef live, and why is it so vulnerable? You will locate the world's major warm-water reefs and study the reef as a system — the narrow abiotic conditions it requires, its biotic life, its value to humans, and the issues in its sustainable use and management.

   Outcome

   You can analyse the coral reef as an interdependent ecosystem and account for its productivity and its vulnerability alike.

   Sub-units

   1. ○ 3.1 The Reef as a System Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   2. ○ 3.2 Value and Sustainable Management Open this unit → ✓ ↻
   Open this module → Print certificate of completion