In this assignment, you will investigate the biotic and abiotic structure and function of an ecosystem.
Choose one of the following ecosystems:
- Tropical rainforest
- Grassland
- Coral Reef
- Estuary
- Desert
You will write a two to three page APA-style research paper about your choice of ecosystem including:
- Where might this type of ecosystem be located? Give one specific example.
- Describe the structure of the ecosystem: List both the abiotic components and biotic components
- Describe the function of the ecosystem: How do the abiotic and biotic components interact in biogeochemical cycles? Describe both the carbon and nitrogen cycles
- Describe disturbance and recovery: Describe one natural and one human caused disturbance to the ecosystem. Explain the damage to the ecosystem, including how the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ecosystem changed.
- Explain how ecosystems recover naturally based on resilience mechanisms and the theory of secondary succession.
The following grading rubric will be used for this assignment.
|
Grading Rubric |
|
|
5% |
APA Style |
|
5% |
Where might this type of ecosystem be located? Give one specific example |
|
20% |
Describe the structure: Abiotic components: 10% Biotic Components 10% |
|
30% |
Describe the function: Describe the Carbon cycle: 15% Describe the Nitrogen cycle:15% |
|
40% |
Disturbance and Recovery: Example of natural disturbance event and changes to the ecosystem. Discussion of recovery process: 15% Example of anthropogenic caused disturbance event and changes to the ecosystem. Discussion of recovery process. 15% Explain how ecosystems recover naturally based on resilience mechanisms and the theory of secondary succession. 10% |
For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, Web resources, and all course materials.
Course Materials
Please submit your assignment.
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