Human Impact on Biogeochemical Cycles Worksheet
Part 1
Using the textbooks, the University Library or other resources, answer each of the following questions in 150- to 300-words. Be sure to provide references for the sources you use.
Question
Your neighbor faithfully applies fertilizer to his lawn to ensure beautiful, healthy green grass. Explain how your neighbor's fertilizing habit affects at least one nutrient cycle.
Your friend commutes to work every day by driving a standard gasoline-powered car. Explain how your friend's commute affects one or more nutrient cycles.
Urban areas typically have lots of pavement and compacted soils. Explain how these impermeable surfaces affect at least one aspect of the hydrologic cycle
PART 2
Select an ecosystem in your area (forest, lake, desert, grassland).
Write a 525- to 700-word paper explaining the following:
1) Describe the structure of your ecosystem including important abiotic features and dominant plant and animal species.
2) Explain some functions/processes of your ecosystem including one nutrient cycle and one food chain.
3) Give two examples of species interactions (predation, competition, mutualism, etc.) that occur in your ecosystem.
4) Identify an invasive species in your ecosystem. Explain its effects on the ecosystem and efforts to control or eradicate it.
Include two outside references.
Include an in depth introduction and conclusion
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
This is the book we are using in class:
Botkin, D. B., & Keller, E. A., (2014). Environmental science: Earth as a living planet (9th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons