Choose one terrestrial biome (from the choices listed below) and one aquatic/marine biome as covered within your textbook for chapter 52. Check the board first and see if anybody else has chosen either of those.
Note: if there are more than 12 people in the class, it will be necessary for more than one person to address each terrestrial biome and aquatic/marine biome. Just make sure no more than three people are addressing any one biome from each category.
Terrestrial biomes (3 points) – 1) tropical rain forest, 2) tropical dry forest, 3) desert (hot), 4) desert (cold), 5) savanna, 6) chaparral, 7) temperate grassland, 8) temperate broadleaf forest, 9) temperate rainforest (note, this one is not listed in textbook), 10) northern coniferous forest (taiga), 11) arctic tundra, 12) alpine tundra
Aquatic/marine biomes/ecosystems (3 points) – 1) oligotrophic lakes, 2) eutrophic lakes, 3) swamp wetlands, 4) marsh wetlands, 5) headwater streams, 6) downstream rivers, 7) estuaries, 8) mangrove swamp/forest, 9) rocky intertidal zone, 10) sandy intertidal zone, 11) oceanic pelagic zone, 12) coral reefs, 13) deep benthic zone (abyssal), 14) neritic marine benthic zone (including sea grass beds)
For both your selected terrestrial biome and aquatic/marine biome/ecosystem discuss the following:
1) Characterize the terrestrial biome by describing the following:
Climate (average temperature and precipitation).
Where in the world does it occur, including “where” that it is closest to us here in south Florida or does it occur here?
Description of the soil.
Describe the dominant plants and animals. In addition to the names/species describe how they are adapted to that biome.
How are humans impacting this biome?
What do you like or dislike about the biome?
Any other noteworthy comments or unique aspects of the biome.
2) Characterize the aquatic/marine ecosystem by describing the following:
Water conditions; including, but not limited to salt concentration, dissolved oxygen, dissolved nutrients, standing/flowing,average depth, average temperature.
Where in the world does it occur? Any examples found in south Florida or close by otherwise?
Describe the dominant plants (or other producers) and animals. How are they adapted to this ecosystem (other than just being adapted to living in water in general)?
How are humans impacting this biome?
What do you like or dislike about the biome?
Any other noteworthy or unique aspects of the biome.
