Assignment Task: Ecosystem Observation/Species Diversity Lab
In this lab exercise, you will compare the species diversity of two different terrestrial ecosystems. Species diversity can be measured by estimating both species richness (the number of different species present) and species abundance (the number of individuals belonging to each species present).
Each of these can contribute to the primary productivity of an ecosystem in different ways.
PROCEDURE:
- Choose two different terrestrial ecosystems anywhere you choose. Examples available on our campus include (but are not limited to) wetlands, hay field, woodlot, meadow, etc. In the community you may choose a shoreline, cornfield, marsh, mature woods, etc.
- Sit and/or walk quietly and record the types of species present (plants and animals - don't forget the insects!). You don't need to know specific names; you can describe or draw them.
- Estimate the species abundance according to the following scale: 1 = rare/infrequent 2 = frequent, 3 = common, 4 = abundant.
- LOOK and LISTEN for at least one hour EACH. Some species may not be directly visible but you can hear them or see signs of their presence (tracks, scat, fur, feathers, etc.)
- Assign what you think is an appropriate trophic level to each species. Be as specific as you can. Example: Deer: heterotroph, primary consumer.
You will turn in a paper that includes these sections:
- Introduction (1 page or less): describe your understanding of ecosystem biodiversity and why we measured it in the way that we did (hint: what method did you use to measure it?).
- Procedure (1 page or less): describe what you did. Include details (date, time, method, location - describe abiotic factors: weather, topography, soil, rocks, etc).
- Results: present your findings - attach result tables - you may use the ones with this document or design your own.
- Discussion/Conclusion (1-3 pages): You should include (but are not limited to) the following points: Contrast the biodiversity of each ecosystem you studied. How are they different? The same? Estimate the net primary productivity of each ecosystem. Is any of its biomass "useful" to us as human beings? Which trophic level dominated each ecosystem? Describe one biogeochemical cycle and one food chain (energy pyramid) present in each ecosystem. Do your ecosystems meet the criteria of sustainability (define)? State which ecosystem was your favorite and why.
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Attachment:- Ecosystem-Project lab.rar