BACKYARD ECOLOGY
Ecology
First Name
Last Name
State Standard:
H.2L.2 -- Explain how ecosystems change in
response to disturbances and interactions. Analyze the relationships
among biotic and abiotic factors in ecosystems.
(a). Analyze the various levels of organization in biological systems
(Biosphere - ecosystem - population - community - organism)
Response
Scoring Rubric 1-4
10
Excellent (exceeds)
Responses are clear, complete and demonstrate a thorough
understanding of the subject matter
8
Proficient (Meets)
Completes the assignment or experiment satisfactorily, but the
explanations have minor flaws
6
Nearly Meets
Begins the assignment and explanation satisfactorily; but omits
significant parts or fails to complete.
4
Incorrect
Assignment and its explanations are not accurate. Group did not
demonstrate understanding or authentic knowledge
1
Fails to complete
Did not participate
Score
Living organisms are all around you. Plants, animals, and microorganisms constantly cycle energy
and nutrients throughout the levels of organization in biology. Ecologists study these interactions.
Today, your job is to go out in the field and observe some of the concepts we’ve been discussing thus
far. You and a partner will be choosing ONE area to study from the list below and answering the
questions that follow. Here’s the list: a tree, a 1 m2 patch of grass, a 1 m2 patch of dirt (ex: 3rd base), a
shrub, under a baseball mat.
1. What is the name and location of your mini-ecosystem?
2. a. Fill out the trophic level for the area.
b. Make 3 food chains and interconnect into a food web
2nd order heterotroph:
1st order heterotroph:
Producer:
3. Make a list of how water and carbon cycle through the area. List specific biotic and abiotic factors.
4. What are the major limiting factors to your area (list 2 biotic and 2 abiotic factors)?
5. Describe a symbiotic relationship found in your area (commensalism, mutualism, parasitism).
6. Fill in the levels of organization in biology with the appropriate description of the following found
in your area. Record in the column for biotic and abiotic (if applicable).
Biosphere
Ecosystem
Community
Population
Organism
abiotic biotic
abiotic biotic
abiotic biotic
abiotic biotic
abiotic biotic
7. Describe any succession (primary or secondary) that has occurred in your area.
8. Explain if human interaction has been positive or negative.
9. Is the environment at carrying capacity?
If so, what would the graph look like?
10. Using a meter stick, measure a 10 cm2 patch of grass (100c m2 ).
a. Make an estimate the number of blades of grass that are in that patch. ___________________
b. Take one blade of grass with you back to the class. What is it’s mass in grams_________________
c. Determine an estimate for the mass of your 10 cm2 patch of grass.
(# of grass blades x mass of 1 grass blade = _________)
d. Let’s assume that grass is mostly a carbohydrate. If there are 4 Calories of energy in 1 gram of
carbohydrate, how many calories are in patch of grass?
(mass of grass patch x 4 calories = ____________________)
d. How many calories will be available for the 1st order heterotrophs?
e. How many calories will be available for the 2nd order heterotrophs?