The Ecological Society of America has provided a framework which has been modified to produce the following student field activities for the pond. It is suggested that students make and document these observations as part of developing a comprehensive view of the ecology of the pond and its surrounding areas: 1. Understanding that not all organisms "view" the world the same way or from the same perspective is useful in helping understand the how and why of the organism's interactions with the environment. To facilitate "seeing the world as others see it ", complete the following: Document evidence of another organism's point of view on the pond ecosystem or the forest ecosystem. 2. We frequently hear the word "habitat" mentioned in discussion of animal and plant roles in the environment. It is, on many levels, a "big" word. Equally as useful is the idea of a microhabitat, or an area in the "habitat" which differs in some way from the larger area, often in terms of subtle differences in an abiotic factor or two. To get you to focus on the importance of looking more closely at habitats, complete the following: Document evidence of different micro habitats and the modifications in abiotic factors associated with them. 3. We never see it all. That is for several reasons. Among them is the fact that not all organisms are active when we are watching. This is clearly evident in animals which are active at different times of the day. To show that you are aware that such circadian separation of activity occurs, Document evidence of the presence of nocturnal and diurnal animal activity. 4. Not only are animals and plants active during different parts of the day, they show patterns of activity which varies more long term, thus Document evidence of seasonal changes having had occurred. 5. Even more long term, historically and geologically, there are patterns or changes in patterns of populations which can be observed, so, Document evidence of historical (past) animal or plant populations. 6. From GRACE'S ADMIRER, one of the essential functions of a species is to make copies of itself, either identical through asexual reproduction or variable through sexual reproduction. Ethologists often can observe this directly, but more often, naturalists can observe evidence that it has happened. You need to Document evidence of reproductive strategies or artifacts of animals or plants. 7. As part of the reproduction strategies, a suitable space for rearing young or for embryo development, if it develops externally, need to be located. This is true for animals clearly, but may also be true for plants with such things as "nurse trees". You need to Document evidence of animal or plant "nest" selection. 8. Life forms and structures, evolved for water acquisition and retention , nutrient acquisition, or reproductive success and embryo dispersal are essential elements in describing how an organism interacts with its environment. Locate and document evidence of vines / epiphytes / trees / herbs / shrubs / nitrogen fixation 9. No population can grow indefinitely. There are limiting and controlling agents in the environment which naturally manage population sizes. Document evidence of restrictions on population growth. 10. Because of several factors which restrict population sizes, organisms are often found in definite patterns in a community. These can be observed if one chooses appropriate scale for the observation. The grain of the scale will either enhance or disrupt pattern recognition. You need to Document evidence of discernible patterns in population distributions. 11. Within the community, biotic interactions include a number of trophic levels and food chain or web interactions. Document evidence of: Predator / prey interactions Mutualistic interactions Commensalism interactions Primary Consumers Secondary Consumers 12. A more subtle interaction can be seen in instances where organisms interact and one is harmed but not killed. Document evidence of parasite or disease organism and host response interactions. 13. The usual final link in the food chain or final level in the pyramid is occupied by those organisms which have evolved to be very effective in returning lots of biomass to abiotic form (mineral nutrient cycling). Document evidence of Decomposers Detritivores 14. Finally, humans are part of the environment and can alter it, so Document interactions of Anthropogenic disturbances |
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