Environmental Science

Assignment Description

In this assignment, you will investigate the biotic and abiotic structure and function of an ecosystem. You will also investigate how ecosystems recover from disturbance naturally and through human restoration.

Choose 1 of the following ecosystems:

Tropical rainforest

Grassland

Coral reef

Estuary

Desert

You will write an APA-style research paper about your choice of ecosystem, including the following elements:

Describe where this type of ecosystem might be located. Name 1 specific example.

Describe the structure of the ecosystem.

List at least 3 specific examples of both abiotic components and biotic components for the ecosystem type selected.

Describe the function of the ecosystem

In your own words, explain or define biogeochemical cycle.

Describe the steps in the carbon cycle as an example of one biogeochemical cycle.

Describe disturbance and recovery

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.

Provide 2 examples of natural resources provided by the ecosystem that you have selected.

How can these be sustained into the future?

How can humans act as good stewards to assist ecosystem recovery? Provide 1 example specific to the ecosystem that you have chosen.

For assistance with your assignment, please use your text, other credible references, intellipath, and course materials.

Please submit your assignment in your assignment box.

Grading Rubric

70%

Content Development/Critical Thinking: Student uses relevant content to fully and accurately answer all questions. Student demonstrates critical thinking by synthesizing original answers in student’s own words based on reading and research, and includes relevant examples.

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.

10%

5% Information Literacy and Research: Student selects and uses 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, abstract, body of paper, and reference list.