2.3 Gas Exchange in Animals

Assessment Information

Achievement Standard 91155 (Biology 2.3) - Internal worth 3 credits.

  • How will you be assessed? You will have 2 periods to write a report during class time.

  • Is this an open-book or a closed-book assessment? Open book, however you can only bring in Checkpoints #1, #2, and #3.

  • What should you do to get a good grade? To get a good grade, make sure you attend all classes or watch my Videos on YouTube, complete the tasks I set in class submit on time, get feedback from me, listen to that feedback, and improve your work. Also, please remember that it is never too late to ask for help during class or lunch time tutoring sessions.

2.3 Marking Schedule 2022 - Student Version.pdf
2.3 Assessment Rubric - Student Copy: This rubric details the requirements for Achieved, Merit, and Excellence. This looks similar to the rubric Teachers use to mark the summative report.
2.3 Student Instructions 2022.pdf
2.3 Student Instructions for 2020: This document clearly outlines how you will be assessed for 2.3 during Distance Learning.

  • How do you get Achieved?

Name 3 taxonomic groups (mammal, fish, insect), and give one animal example for each (human, snapper, cricket).
For each taxonomic group, describe their ecological niche by stating their habitat (land or sea), where they get their oxygen from (air or water), and what percentage of oxygen is available (20% oxygen available in air; 1% oxygen available in water).
For ALL THREE taxonomic groups, describe how TWO adaptations help with gas exchange.

  • How do you get Merit? (The whole class can get to this level. Super similar to Achieved, you may as well go for it!)

All of the Achieved criteria but written well.
For TWO taxonomic groups, explain in-depth how TWO adaptations help maximise gas exchange in their niche. This involves linking WHY the adaptation is needed to survive in that niche, and HOW the adaptation helps maximise gas exchange.

  • How do I get Excellence? (You need to send me drafts, and listen to my feedback to be working at Excellence).

All of Achieved and Merit criteria, written well.
For ALL THREE taxonomic groups, you must comprehensively compare the adaptations the lung system, gill system, and tracheal system have to maximise the efficiency of gas exchange. This means you must compare how different systems achieve a large SA : V ratio, a moist respiratory surface, a thin respiratory surface, and a large concentration gradient.
For ALL THREE taxonomic groups, you must comprehensively discuss the limitations of each gas exchange system.
AS91155 (2.3 Plant and Animal Adaptation).pdf
Official NZQA document for 2.3 (Achievement Standard 91155).
Gas exchange notes (No Brain Too Small).pdf
Gas Exchange Summary Notes (No Brain Too Small) - Good overview of the content you need to know. This resource is only sufficient for Achieved. It touches on Merit and Excellence points, but it lacks linking and discussing comprehensively.
Comparing gas exchange in worm, fish, and mammal (No Brain Too Small).pdf
Gas Exchange Summary Table (No Brain Too Small) - Very basic of fish and mammals ONLY. Resource is good for Achieved only. It touches on Merit and Excellence points, but it lacks linking and discussing comprehensively. Insects are missing.
Adaptations for gas exchange in animals (Te Kura).pdf
Adaptation for Gas Exchange in Animals (Te Kura) - Excellent resource that covers mammals, insects, and fish, as well as the broader concepts of ecological niche and adaptations.