Area+of+Study+2+-++Functioning+Organisms

This Area of Study is all about the structure and function of organsims - mostly plants and animals. You may find the following sites helpful: [|BBC Human Body Interactives] [|National Geographic Human Body] [|Incredible Human Machine]

This area of study focuses on the relationship between features of organisms and how organisms meet their requirements for life. Students examine a range of organisms and investigate the ways that structures and systems function in terms of obtaining and releasing energy; obtaining nutrients, water and gases; processing and distributing materials to cells and transporting wastes from cells to points of disposal. They consider the needs for systems to be integrated for the organism to function as a whole. Students examine how patterns of observable similarities and differences in the structure and function of organisms are used in constructing taxonomic systems that are subject to change as new information is obtained. Students undertake practical investigations into the relationship between structures of autotrophs and heterotrophs and their requirements. They consider the development of ideas and technological advances that have contributed to our knowledge and understanding of living things and relationships between them. Students investigate the implications of techniques and technologies that make use of and further our knowledge of organisms and the way they function.
 * Functioning organisms**