Problem:
Select one of the below ecosystems:
Tropical rainforest
Grassland
Coral Reef
Estuary
Desert
Address the following questions:
- Where might this type of ecosystem be located? Give one specific example.
- Describe the structure of the ecosystem: List both the abiotic components and biotic components
- Describe the function of the ecosystem: How do the abiotic and biotic components interact in biogeochemical cycles?
- Describe both the carbon and nitrogen cycles
- Describe disturbance and recovery: Describe one natural and one human caused disturbance to the ecosystem. Explain the damage to the ecosystem, including how the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ecosystem changed.
- Explain how ecosystems recover naturally based on resilience mechanisms and the theory of secondary succession.