LIVING ORGANISMS
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Subject: Biology
Class: SHS 3
Term: 1st Term
Week: 19
Grade code: 3.3.1.LI.2
Strand code: 3
Sub-strand code: 1
Content standard code: 3.3.1.CS.1
Indicator code: 3.3.1.LI.2
Theme: DIVERSITY OF LIVING THINGS AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT
Subtheme: LIVING ORGANISMS
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In our daily lives in Ghana, we are surrounded by a variety of animals. Some, like the domestic fowl and tilapia, are a common sight on our dinner plates and in our markets. Others, like the wall gecko on our ceilings or the frog in a nearby garden, are often overlooked or even feared. This lesson moves beyond simply identifying these organisms. We will explore their economic importance—how they contribute to our economy, food supply, health, and environment. Understanding this helps us appreciate their value, make informed decisions about agriculture and conservation, and see the interconnectedness of life around us.
What is "Economic Importance"? Before we look at each animal, let's understand this key term. "Economic Importance" refers to the impact, whether positive or negative, that an organism has on the economy. This is not just about money (cedis). It includes: Direct Importance: Involves tangible products that can be sold or consumed. Examples: Food (meat, eggs), medicine, raw materials (manure). Indirect Importance: Involves services or effects that are not sold directly but have economic value. Examples: Pest control (saving money on pesticides), pollination, serving as an environmental health indicator (saving costs on monitoring).
Let's now examine each of our selected organisms.
A. Tilapia (e.g., *Oreochromis niloticus*)
The Tilapia is one of the most important freshwater fishes in Ghana. Its economic importance is immense.