BIOME ASSIGNMENT
Presentation Due Date: _______________________
Learning Goal: Students will demonstrate understanding of the living systems unit by preparing a presentation of
their biome incorporating required criteria (possible presentation formats included below).
This project is meant to be a culminating assignment incorporating the concepts covered in the living systems unit –
biodiversity, ecological systems, relationships, processes and dynamics, and a final focus on the human element within
the biome where environmental problems & issues are concerned. Ecologically speaking, the world can be divided into
biomes, areas with characteristic climates, soils and organisms (flora & fauna). Survival and stability within these
biomes depends on the interactions of abiotic and biotic components of the ecosystem. You may work independently or
with a partner to prepare a descriptive overview of one of the following biomes. Please note that biomes are broad in
scope and project requirements may necessitate focusing on a particular location or region within that biome.
BIOMES:
(Terrestrial)
(Aquatic)
Tropical Rainforest
Temperate Forests
Taiga
Freshwater
Wetlands
Tropical Savanna
Temperate Grasslands
Tundra
Tropical Deserts
Temperate Deserts
Estuary
Marine
Project Format:
You are only limited by your own creativity.
You may not prepare a traditional written report for this assignment. Included below are some possible format options.
All formats should include supplements to the content, described in context. (ie. pictures, illustrations, data, graphs,
maps, charts). Options:
1. Expedition/Travel Journal – including supplements
2. Video presentation – National Geographic type travel show – Crocodile Hunter, Bear Grylls, Survivor Man
3. PP supplemented by a Travel News Broadcast
4. Model of the Biome that would be used for a Biosphere Museum Educational program (Must include info.
and how the model would be used)
5. Other – There are a variety of web application approaches that you could apply to this project. If you have
a particular idea or any alternative to the above, please discuss with the instructor for approval.
Project Criteria & Evaluation:
1. General description and introduction to biome
12
 general characteristics – general descriptions of climate, soils & organisms
 Location – Location and range; identify particular part of biome if focusing on one location within biome Include a map and a description of locations
2. Abiotic Factors
15
 Describe the physical, chemical factors that contribute to maintaining homeostasis in biome
 Identify and explain, using examples, the limiting factors that might challenge survival rates in this environment
 Prepare a Climograph for one location within the region and indicate why this represents the biome
3. Biotic Factors – Biodiversity & Ecological interactions
50
 Prepare a Food web indicating the trophic levels of all organisms and the flow of energy (heat transfer) Explain
 Identify 5 specific plant species (flora) (include pictures indicating common and sci. names) and describe a
particular adaptation of each plant that ensures it’s survival in that environment (Ideally these would be
represented in the food web)
 Describe and illustrate 5 particular animals (fauna), outline their niche, and explain a minimum of one particular
adaptation that is advantageous for each animal. (Ideally, these would be represented in the food web)
 Identify a keystone species in this biome. Explain its influence on the stability of the environment.
 Outline 2 specific relationships (parasitism, competition, predation, mutualism, commensalism,etc) and
explain how these relationships contribute to population dynamics within this ecosystem.
4. Environmental Problems – Environmental Issues
18
 Outline 1 major environmental problems that are prominent in the biome
o Explain the science behind the problem
o Indicate how humans have influenced or are influenced by this problem
o Identify some alternative solutions to the problem
o Indicate how implementing a solution to this problem has become an issue (Should we do this or
that???) by identifying varying points of view and motivations behind those views
o Indicate your opinion as to the best course of action to solve this environmental problem
5. References & Overall Impression
o Sources References (min. of 3 credible sources)
o Performance level 4, 3, 2, 1 (Note 3 = Standard Achievement of learning outcome)
o Appropriate use of supplemental visuals, data, explanation
o Cohesiveness
o Neatness & creativity
Total =
6. Personal Assessment
15
/110
/10