Environmental Science

Unit 1 IP

I. Select an ecosystem 
Tropical rainforest
Grassland
Coral reef
Estuary
Desert

II. Describe where this type of ecosystem might be located. Name 1 specific example. (5%)

III. Describe the structure of the ecosystem. (12%)

• List at least 3 specific examples of both abiotic components and three specific biotic components for the ecosystem type selected.
(What lives here?) (What is average temperature, rainfall, etc.?) Be specific!

IV. Describe the function of the ecosystem (12%)
• In your own words, explain or define biogeochemical cycle.
• Describe the steps in the carbon cycle as an example of one biogeochemical cycle.

V. Describe disturbance and recovery (15%)
• Describe 1 natural and 1 human-caused disturbance to the ecosystem that you have chosen.
• Describe the damage to the ecosystem for each example, including how the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ecosystem changed.
VI. Provide 2 examples of natural resources provided by the ecosystem that you have selected (10%)

VII. How can these resources be sustained into the future? (8%)

VIII. How can humans act as good stewards to assist ecosystem recovery? Provide one example specific to the ecosystem that you have chosen. (8%)

20% Organization, Grammar, and Presentation: Organization is clear. Writing clearly and effectively communicates relevant content. Few if any errors in grammar, spelling, and sentence structure.

5% Information Literacy and Research: Student selected and used high-quality, credible references relevant to the assignment questions.

5% Sources are correctly cited using APA style: The paper follows APA format and includes a title page, body of paper, conclusion, and reference list.