Biology 122: Fall 2015
Activity 1 – Physical Environment and Biomes
1
Name_______________________________________________
Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment.
The environment includes both the physical and the biological. The physical environment
is the ultimate determinant of where organisms can live, based on variables such as
climate, light, temperature, moisture and water & soil chemistry.
We are going to visit several areas on campus that house representative plants from
several biomes. We will examine these areas in terms of their physical characteristics and
consider how the form of those plants reflects an evolutionary response to the physical
environment. For each biome, write down your data & observations.
“Biome” 1_______________________________________________________
1. Measure features of the environment:
a. Light – describe the intensity, quality, amount of shade, etc.
b. Temperature of air ____________ Temperature of soil _____________
c. Wind speed ______________ Direction ______________
d. Soil – describe the composition, relative moisture level, color, etc.
2. Think about what organisms might need to survive in this particular environment.
a. Examine closely a leaf from 2 different plants in this biome. Draw/describe the
overall shape, size, texture and discuss how you think these features help it survive
in this environment.
b. Look for animal life – note the types you see (remember to include birds, insects,
etc.). What do you think the biggest challenge animals will have in this
environment?
Biology 122: Fall 2015
Activity 1 – Physical Environment and Biomes
2
“Biome” 2_______________________________________________________
1. Measure features of the environment:
a. Light – describe the intensity, quality, amount of shade, etc.
b. Temperature of air ____________ Temperature of soil _____________
c. Wind speed ______________ Direction ______________
d. Soil – describe the composition, relative moisture level, color, etc.
2. Think about what organisms might need to survive in this particular environment.
a. Examine closely a leaf from 2 different plants in this biome. Draw/describe the
overall shape, size, texture and discuss how you think these features help it survive
in this environment.
b. Look for animal life – note the types you see (remember to include birds, insects,
etc.). What do you think the biggest challenge animals will have in this
environment?
Biology 122: Fall 2015
Activity 1 – Physical Environment and Biomes
3
“Biome” 3_______________________________________________________
1. Measure features of the environment:
a. Light – describe the intensity, quality, amount of shade, etc.
b. Temperature of air ____________ Temperature of soil _____________
c. Wind speed ______________ Direction ______________
d. Soil – describe the composition, relative moisture level, color, etc.
2. Think about what organisms might need to survive in this particular environment.
a. Examine closely a leaf from 2 different plants in this biome. Draw/describe the
overall shape, size, texture and discuss how you think these features help it survive
in this environment.
b. Look for animal life – note the types you see (remember to include birds, insects,
etc.). What do you think the biggest challenge animals will have in this
environment?
Biology 122: Fall 2015
Activity 1 – Physical Environment and Biomes
4
“Biome” 4_______________________________________________________
1. Measure features of the environment:
a. Light – describe the intensity, quality, amount of shade, etc.
b. Temperature of air ____________ Temperature of soil _____________
c. Wind speed ______________ Direction ______________
d. Soil – describe the composition, relative moisture level, color, etc.
2. Think about what organisms might need to survive in this particular environment.
a. Examine closely a leaf from 2 different plants in this biome. Draw/describe the
overall shape, size, texture and discuss how you think these features help it survive
in this environment.
b. Look for animal life – note the types you see (remember to include birds, insects,
etc.). What do you think the biggest challenge animals will have in this
environment?