CH 18 STUDY GUIDE

1) Ecologists tell us that everything in an ecosystem is connected. Please explain what they mean by the theme of "connectedness" in an ecosystem.

2) There are biotic and abiotic factors that make up ecosystems. Contrast these two terms. Give at least 5 examples of each.

3) Please explain why ecosystems usually only have four trophic levels. Be very specific and detailed with your explanation.

4) Predict what would happen if there were no decomposers in an ecosytem.

5) Describe at least three factors that could change the stability of the producers in an ecosystem. For each factor, give a prediction as to how that change would affect the producers stability.

6) Determine how water, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen cycle between abiotic resources and organic matter in the ecosystem. To do this you need to illustrate the following biogeochemical cycles:

1. Water Cycle
2. Carbon Cycle
3. Nitrogen Cycle
4. Phosphorus Cycle

Please use a different biome for each cycle. In other words, if you used a "grassland biome" for illustrating the water cycle, then you must use a "rainforest biome," "temperate forest biome," "coniferous forest biome," "tundra biome," "tropical savannah," or "desert biome" for illustrating each of the other three cycles. Please use a separate sheet of unlined paper to illustrate each cycle. You do not have to use color, but it does add to the appeal of your work. You will be evaluated on the following points:

1. Do you have all necessary labels for the components of each cycle?
2. Are the words clear, neat, and correctly spelled?
3. Do you use appropriate biotic representatives from the biome?
4. Are your organisms drawn at a level appropriate for high school? (proportions correct and care taken to make it look like the species)
5. Are the lines showing cycling of materials and labels bold, clear, and neatly drawn?
6. Please write a paragraph of explanation for each cycle that explains each component of the cycle in your words.

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