Chapter 3
Ecology Research Project
Your job is to pick a land based BIOME and a specific region within that biome (i.e., Amazon Rainforest, Sahara Desert, Mojave Desert, Asian steppes, Arctic tundra, North American temperate forest, etc) and make a presentation about that area. You will not be presenting what you learn to the class, but this will serve as a base of knowledge for your research paper. Your presentation must show the following things:
A food web for your area consisting of the 4 trophic levels and at least 3 organisms at each level. Organisms need to specific (e.g. not just mushroom, but Giant Puffball (Calvatia gigantea). Scientific names always have the first word capitalized and both words italicized.
At least 3 examples of detritovores and explanation of how they contribute to your biome.
A description of the climate and terrain (land) in your area. This should include where in the world your area is, the climate (long term weather patterns as described in class and in your book,) and landforms found in your area.
2 examples of commensalism, mutualism, or parasitism that occur within your biome. These should be included somewhere OTHER than your food web and explained how both organisms are impacted by the relationship.
You must cite your sources. Follow these guidelines and have the citations as part of your presentation. Anything you get information from that is used in your presentation is a source.
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher, Year of Publication.
Editor, author, or compiler name (if available). Name of Site (in the title bar at the very top of the screen). Name of institution/organization affiliated with the site (sponsor or publisher), date of resource creation (if available). Date of access.
You will have roughly one week to work on this project and at least 2 class days to work. The amount of class time to work may be adjusted based on how well students stay on task in the classroom and lab.
