The Biomes
Creative Project – Ecology
Biomes are a group of ecosystems that share the same type of climax community.
Ecologists consider the plants of the climax community as the key organisms in a biome, since they
do not migrate. In general, three abiotic factors determine which terrestrial biome will be dominant
in an area – the latitude, altitude and precipitation. These factors will influence other biotic and
abiotic factors, creating an ecosystem within one of the major biomes – tundra, taiga,
temperate deciduous forest, grassland, tropical rainforest, or desert.
The many marine ecosystems can be placed in one of two categories based on
availability of sunlight – the photic zone and aphotic zone. Within the photic zone one will
find such ecosystems as estuaries, coral reefs and beaches. The deep open ocean and
the abyss are characteristic ecosystems of the aphotic zone.
For this project, you will research one of the biomes listed above and create a visual
presentation (such as model, diorama, poster or power point presentation) based on the
guidelines below. You will present one of the three aspects of your biome to the class. The
guidelines for the presentations are outlined below:
Abiotic Factors of the Biome
1. Name of the Biome and location on the planet.
2. Describe the abiotic factors of the biome using descriptive terms. Include such
conditions as amount of precipitation and type, average temperature, temperature
fluctuations, length of growing season, substrate content/depth and other unique
characteristics.
3. Discuss how these conditions influence which organisms live in this biome.
Biotic Factors of the Biome
1. Describe a typical climax community in the biome.
2. Discuss characteristic organisms and describe their niche.
3. Provide an example of a food web in this biome.
4. Discuss adaptations of characteristic organisms that enable them to live in this biome.
Human Impact on the Biome
1. How has human activity impacted the stability of this biome?
2. Discuss controversy between human exploitation and conservation of this biome.
3. What efforts have been and can be made to protect ecosystems in this biome?
Due Date: Your project is due Monday 3/10/14. Presentations will occur the week of 3/10/14.
The Biomes
Creative Project – Ecology
Biomes are a group of ecosystems that share the same type of climax community.
Ecologists consider the plants of the climax community as the key organisms in a biome, since
they do not migrate. In general, three abiotic factors determine which terrestrial biome will be
dominant in an area – the latitude, altitude and precipitation. These factors will influence other
biotic and abiotic factors, creating an ecosystem within one of the major biomes – tundra,
taiga, temperate deciduous forest, grassland, tropical rainforest, or desert.
The many marine ecosystems can be placed in one of two categories based on
availability of sunlight – the photic zone and aphotic zone. Within the photic zone one will
find such ecosystems as estuaries, coral reefs and beaches. The deep open ocean and
the abyss are characteristic ecosystems of the aphotic zone.
For this project, you will research one of the biomes listed above. You will create a visual
presentation (such as model, diorama, or poster) relating to one aspect of the biome, and
present their project to the class. Research for all three aspects below should be presented in
outline format. The guidelines for the presentations are outlined below:
Student 1: Abiotic Factors of the Biome
1. Name of the Biome and location on the planet.
2. Describe the abiotic factors of the biome using descriptive terms. Include such
conditions as amount of precipitation and type, average temperature,
temperature fluctuations, length of growing season, substrate content/depth
and other unique characteristics.
3. Discuss how these conditions influence which organisms live in this biome.
Student 2: Biotic Factors of the Biome
1. Describe a typical climax community in the biome.
2. Discuss characteristic organisms and describe their niche.
3. Provide an example of a food web in this biome.
4. Discuss adaptations of characteristic organisms that enable them to live in this
biome.
Student 3: Human Impact on the Biome
1. How has human activity impacted the stability of this biome?
2. Discuss controversy between human exploitation and conservation of this
biome.
3. What efforts have been and can be made to protect ecosystems in this biome?