science

Assignment Type: Individual Project Deliverable Length: 2 page APA style research paper
Points Possible: 125 Due Date: 3/28/2013 11:59:59 PM CT

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%