Pond Study Hypothesis Questions Is the pond in Media a healthy ecosystem? How do you know?

Healthy Ecosystems

Features of healthy ecosystems Biodiversity Index species

Biodiversity The variety of plant and animal species in an ecosystem

Biodiversity and ecosystems The greater the biodiversity, the more stable the ecosystem will be

Index species A species whose presence tells if water is clean or polluted

Common Pond Index species Mayflies: clean water

Common Pond Index Species Caddisfly larvae: Clean water

Media Pond Index Species Scuds: clean water

Common Pond Index Species Tubifex worms: Pollution

Niche review Decomposers Producers Consumers –Herbivores –Predators

Consumers in the pond Collectors –Gatherers: feed on the bottom –Filter feeders: filter small particles out of the water

Consumers in the pond Scrapers: graze on algae that is attached to rocks Shredders: break dead plants into smaller pieces

Consumers in the pond Predators –Grab and eat other animals ●Parasites

Pond organism sketches View with the dissecting microscope Draw your specimens -4 minimum Label each with the name of the organism, habitat (where you found it), niche, and feeding adaptation Each person makes drawings!

Work with your field trip group To identify your specimens, use the packets and our class website for help class website

Discussion questions How many different organisms did you see? Does the pond show biodiversity?

Food Web Analysis Keystone species: keeps ecosystem In balance

Food Web Analysis Keystone Species