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Pre Assessment: In your field notebooks...
- Sketch and label the abiotic components of a forested ecosystem.
Objective: Identify the structure and function of ecosystems.
CT AFNR Standard: NRS.01.01. Performance Indicator: Apply methods of classification to examine natural resource availability and ecosystem function in a particular region.
Enduring Understanding:
- The environment is a complex assemblage of interacting and evolving chemical, physical, and biological processes.
- Each ecosystem’s physical structure is a result of interaction of abiotic and biotic components which also impacts productivity, decomposition, energy flow and nutrient cycling.
Vocabulary
- Ecology is the branch of biology that describes relationships between organisms and the environments where they live.
- Biotic components are living parts of the environment; includes anything made by a living organism.
- Abiotic components are non living parts of the environment; Climate, topography and soil.
- Disturbed ecosystems are those that have been affected by human activity. Ex. Establishing a subdivision in a forest.
- Undisturbed ecosystems are those that have not been impacted by human activity. Ex. Pristine forests in remote areas.
Activity 1: Read & Notes
Activity 1: Read & Notes
Answer the questions on the worksheet using the article.
Activity 2-Lab: Biotic and Abiotic Components
Activity 2-Lab: Biotic and Abiotic Components
An ecosystem is made up of biotic (living) and abiotic (non living) components and ecology studies the relationships within the ecosystem. Within each ecosystem there is a complex assemblage of interacting and evolving chemical, physical, and biological processes. Each ecosystem’s physical structure is a result of interaction of abiotic and biotic components which also impacts productivity, decomposition, energy flow and nutrient cycling. Today we will study the abiotic and biotic features of a particular ecosystem.
In the field, we will make observations and collect data at two different sites regarding the biotic and abiotic components of a forested ecosystem using the tools listed below. When we get back inside, we will compare our findings and reflect on the ways the two components of an ecosystem can influence each other.
Be prepared with (i.e. bring with you outside):
- Field clothes
- Clipboard, pencil & data sheet
- Tools:
- Thermometer - Measures temperature
- Humidity meter - Measures humidity
- Anemometer - Measures wind speed
- Soil pH meter - Measures soil's pH (acidic or basic)
- Lux meter - Measures light levels
- Rain gauge - Measures rainfall
Class discussion:
Compare the data collected from both sites...
- How were the two sites similar?
- How were they different?
- What impact could these differences have on the ecosystem ecology overall?
Activity 3: Rainfall and the Forest (Project Wild p. 73)
Activity 3: Rainfall and the Forest (Project Wild p. 73)
- Abiotic components of an ecosystem determine what biotic components can survive in the system.
- Select one of the animals below and research it. Answer the following questions about the animal you selected.
- Be prepared to share with the group.
Questions:
- Describe the habitat the animal lives in. Identify the biotic and abiotic components. Be as specific as possible.
- Why is this animal limited to this habitat?
Animals:
- Brook trout
- Moose
- Bison
- Eastern timber rattlesnake
- Horseshoe crab
- Eastern box turtle
- Osprey
- Bighorn sheep
- Atlantic tern
- Pronghorn
- Wood frog
- Lobsters
- Atlantic shad
- Piping plover
- Atlantic salmon
- Fairy shrimp
- Marbled salamander
Assessment:
Assessment:
- Activity 1: Notes (Formative)
- Activity 2: Tool Identification and Use
- Activity 3: Abiotic impacts biotic
1. Field Notebook Reflection
1. Field Notebook Reflection
In your field notebooks...
In your field notebooks...
- Using a different color writing utensil, modify your original sketch of the abiotic components of the forest ecosystem.
- How do the abiotic components of the ecosystem influence biotic components?
- Climate:
- Soil:
- Topography:
- How do the biotic components influence the abiotic components of the ecosystem?
- Climate:
- Soil:
- Topography:
Additional Resources
Ecology I_Elements of Ecosystems.pdf- Temperature: Moose
- Humidity:
- Wind speed:
- Soil pH:
- Light level:
- Rainfall:
- Water: Vernal pools
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