Biology Summer Project Honors: Ecology / Observation

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1 Name: Date: Biology Summer Project Honors: Ecology / Observation Introduction: A digital file of this assignment can be accessed at the following address: In this activity, you will be observing an area of land (outside) over a period of weeks. The purpose of the activity is to begin to learn about the basic terms and concepts in Ecology, a unit of study in biology class. Additionally, you will be learning to document detailed observations, much the way biologists do in order to make discoveries about the natural world. 1. Definitions - Define the following terms on a separate sheet of paper in terms that you can understand (typing them is ideal) Biology Ecology Biotic Factor Abiotic Factor Quantitative Observation Qualitative Observation Hypothesis Population Community Ecosystem Food Chain Food Web Producer (autotroph) Consumer (heterotroph) Decomposer Invasive species Ecological Succession Primary Succession Secondary Succession Biodeiversity 2. Procedure - Carry out the following instructions over the duration of the summer: a. Choose a safe location to make observations (examples: in the woods, in a field, in a stream, in an abandoned parking lot, on a lake shore). CHOOSE A SITE THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ACCESS ALL YEAR ROUND. b. Measure an area that covers a minimum of 25 square feet, of any shape (square, rectangle, triangle). Make measurements with minimal disturbance to the area & organisms. c. Clearly define the boundaries of the site. You may use stakes and string, a border of rocks, etc. Set boundaries with minimal disturbance to the area & organisms. d. This site is where you will make a minimum of 8 observations. PLACE ALL OBSERVATIONS IN THE CHART PROVIDED in the back of this packet. Make observations at different times during the day. Be sure to observe at least once after sunset in order to observe presence/absence of nocturnal organisms. Make observations with minimal disturbance to the area & organisms.

2 e. In addition to written observations, take photos from all angles of the site, as well as taking photos of the different biotic factors. (phone, camera, etc. Must be able to download and printed) f. Photos will be mounted on poster board or presented in digital form (power point). All photos must have captions identifying date, time of day, direction photo was taken (ie, north, south, east, or west if applicable), and general description. Refer to examples below. Photo 1: July 12 th, 2013 at 3;17 p.m.: Salamander found under moist rock near stream bed near North end of site. Photo 2: August 3 rd, 2013 at 4:45 p.m.: View of site from South to North 3.Written Summary: Please answer the following by typing a response in paragraph form, in complete sentences, in size 12 font, double spaced. Refer to both your written and photographic data in order to support your responses. a. Describe the site that you selected, in detail, using qualitative and quantitative observations b. How did your site change from the first observation to the last? Be specific by providing examples. (Hopefully, the changes will be shown in your photos) c. How did the abiotic factors in your site influence the type of biotic factors present? (For example; amount of sunlight and temperature often influence the budding of flowers. Amphibians, like frogs, require moist environments) d. Predict how your site will change in each category on your chart from September to December (temp, amount of light, amount of precipitation, types & numbers of organisms). Include both biotic and abiotic factors in your prediction (refer to your observation chart) e. Draw at least one food chain, made up of the organisms in your site. (Show arrows in correct direction) f. Draw a food web showing the feeding relationships of several organisms in your site (arrows).

3 g. Can you identify any invasive species within your site (plants, insects, fungi)? If not, find the name of an invasive species that lives in this area. How do invasive species get from their native ecosystem? Why can they be so devastating to ecosystems? Condition Date Time of Day Observation 1 Temp( F) Amount of Sun Precipitation Organisms Observed (plants, animals, fungi). Approximate number of each. Observation 2 Observation 3 Observation 4 Observation 5

4 Observation 6 Date Time of Day Temp( F) Amount of Sun Precipitation Organisms Observed (plants, animals, fungi). Approximate number of each. Observation 7 Observation 8 Observation 9 Observation 10

5 Observation 11 Date Time of Day Temp( F) Amount of Sun Precipitation Organisms Observed (plants, animals, fungi). Approximate number of each. Observation 12 Observation 13 Observation 14 Observation 15

6 Observation 16 Observation 17 Observation 18 Observation 19 Observation 20