Select an ecosystem in your area (forest, lake, desert, grassland).
Write a 525- to 700-word paper explaining the following:Identify the ecosystem and its location.Describe the structure of the ecosystem including important abiotic features and dominant plant and animal species.Explain some functions and processes of that ecosystem, including one nutrient cycle and one food chain.Give two examples of species interactions (predation, competition, mutualism, etc.) that occur in your ecosystem.Identify an invasive species in your ecosystem. Explain its effects on the ecosystem and efforts to control or eradicate it.
Cite two credible sources and include them as references in APA format.
Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.
Guidance for Ecosystem Paper
Notes:The organization and mechanics section of the scoring guide below describe an exemplary paper.If you cannot point to one location on a map, then your selection is not specific enough. Broad classifications (such as “forest ecosystems,” “aquatic ecosystems,” “marine ecosystems”) are not specific enough and typically earn a failing score.Remember: The ecosystem must be one that is natural. Manmade lakes and artificial public parks with lawns, playgrounds, and sprinkler systems are not good choices.Tip: Good descriptions of ecosystems identify plants, animals, and settings; structural and functional dynamics address how they interact with one another.
Ecosystem Paper
Dimension
Comments
Points Available
Points Earned*
Content:
7.00
The paper is 525 to 700 words long and covers all key elements in a substantive way:
Yes
No
•
Identifies the location of the ecosystem.
•
Describes the structure of this ecosystem including important abiotic features and dominant plant and animal species.
•
Explains some functions of or processes in the selected ecosystem including one nutrient cycle and one food chain.
•
Identifies and briefly describes two examples of species interactions (predation, competition, mutualism, etc.) that occur in this ecosystem.
•
Identifies an invasive species in this ecosystem. Explains its effects on the ecosystem and efforts to control or eradicate it.
•
Cites two or more outside resources.
Organization:
1.50
•
Organization
Exemplary: * The structure is clear, logical, and easy to follow. * Subsequent sections develop and support the central theme.
•
Sentences and Transitions
Exemplary: * Sentences are strong throughout the paper.
Mechanics:
1.50
•
Grammar and Spelling
Exemplary: * All words spelled correctly. * No grammar errors. * No capitalization errors.
•
Format
Exemplary: * The paper, references, and citations alight with APA guidelines and have no format errors. * Format of paper is easy to read. * Student’s name appears on the first page.
•
Scholarly Tone
Exemplary: * The paper avoids clichés, colloquial terms, contractions, and informal phrases.
Percent Quotations in the Summary (if over 10%):
0%
Subtotals
10.00
0.00
Days Late
0
0.00
0.00
Totals
10.00
0.00
Human Impact on Biogeochemical Cycles Worksheet
Using the textbooks, the University Library or other resources, answer each of the following questions in 150- to 300-words. Be sure to provide references for the sources you use.
Question
Response
Your neighbor faithfully applies fertilizer to his lawn to ensure beautiful, healthy green grass. Explain how your neighbor’s fertilizing habit affects at least one nutrient cycle.
Your friend commutes to work every day by driving a standard gasoline-powered car. Explain how your friend’s commute affects one or more nutrient cycles.
Urban areas typically have lots of pavement and compacted soils. Explain how these impermeable surfaces affect at least one aspect of the hydrologic cycle
References
· APA-formatted citation
· APA-formatted citation
Human Impact on Biogeochemical Cycles Worksheet
Exemplary
Developing
Improvement Needed
Points Earned
Points Available
Completeness
Each of the three questions is answered in 150-300 words.
One or more responses are too short or too long.
One or more sections are incomplete.
1
Content of Responses
The content is reasonable, accurate, and detailed. One or more credible sources are cited in each response. A reference list is included at the end.
Either 1) The content is reasonable, accurate, and detailed, but no sources are cited or there are no references. Or, 2) some of the information is inaccurate.
Some of the content is inaccurate, and no sources are cited or there are no references.
3
Organization, grammar, and spelling.
Sentences and organization are logical and usually are free of significant grammar and spelling errors.
Sentences and organization sometimes are logical or contain some (2-5) grammar or spelling errors.
Sentences and organization sometimes are unclear, not logical, or contain many (6 or more) grammar or spelling errors.
1
Summative Feedback
Late penalty
Total
5
