AP Biology Summer Project
(due the 2nd day of School - 8/20/2016)
50 Points
Introduction:
One of the wonderful things about summer is that you have time to go outside and enjoy nature.
What better time to study ecological principles for AP Biology!!! For your summer project, you
are expected to take a field trip through an ecosystem of your choice. This can be in your own
backyard, the beach, Herrick Lake, the DuPage River, an open field or perhaps your family
summer vacation spot … any type of ecosystem that you choose.
Purpose:
In this exercise, you will investigate some basic ecological principles of an ecosystem and
create a visual representation (poster, powerpoint, prezi, etc) of your unique ecosystem.
Requirements:
1. Field Trip Observations
2. Identify the location of your ecosystem
3. Identify the biological community in your ecosystem, including:
a. producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers, and higher-level
consumers (food web)
b. trophic levels
c. flow of energy through the ecosystem
d. environmental impact
4. Describe how these organisms are ecologically linked to each other
5. List abiotic factors in your environment and how these components are important to the
biotic community
6. Identify one example of a predator-prey relationship in your ecosystem
7. Identify one example of a symbiotic relationship in your ecosystem. In the explanation,
you should describe how this relationship affects both organisms
8. Observe one organism in your ecosystem for at least 10 minutes. Describe the behavior
of this organism and the evolutionary significance of this behavior.
9. Describe evidence that demonstrates the impact humans may have on your ecosystem