1. BIO/315 Ecology and Evolution University of Phoenix
Ecosystem WebQuest
BIO/315
Ecology and Evolution
University of Phoenix
BEGIN
Introduction
Task & Process
Resources

2. Introduction
Ecosystems
Ecosystems are patterns of organisms, resources, and conditions across the Earth. Temperature and precipitation, air and ocean currents, along with the geography of the Earth are all dynamic processes that produce the patchwork of ecosystems. Both terrestrial biomes and aquatic ecosystems may contain complex interactions, especially between organisms and resources. Community composition may vary for a number of reasons and may even be influenced by humans. The complexity and interactions within ecosystems will be explored in this WebQuest.
Introduction
Task & Process
Resources

3. Task & Process Introduction Task & Process Resources
Your task in this WebQuest is to develop a Microsoft ® PowerPoint® presentation on an ecosystem and present it to your class.
Meet with your Learning Team to create an ecosystem Microsoft ® PowerPoint® presentation.
Choose an ecosystem to present to the class. Obtain faculty approval for your ecosystem.
Address the following points:
Geography of an ecosystem
Describe its location in terms of geography and to which terrestrial biome or aquatic ecosystem it belongs.
Biotic and abiotic components of the ecosystem
Describe the major biotic components of the ecosystem.
Describe the major abiotic components of the ecosystem.
Differentiation of species in the ecosystem
List plants and animals from each trophic level.
What are the characteristics within and between species that influence species richness in the ecosystem?
Explain how species and their evolution are affected by the ecosystem you described above.
Describe the keystone species.
Analyze the role of evolution in the keystone species.
Diversity
Identify factors in this ecosystem that affect diversity.
How do these factors work together to produce the diversity and evolutionary differentiation?
Prepare a 15- to 20- minute oral presentation accompanied by 12 to 15 Microsoft® PowerPoint® slides describing your team’s Ecosystem WebQuest. Online Campus students will submit a 12- to 15-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation with speaker notes.
Introduction
Task & Process
Resources

4. Resources Introduction Task & Process Resources
Use your text and several other resources, including the University Library, to complete your assignment. Web resources should be trustworthy and reputable.
Useful websites
Biomes
Precipitation and temperature
Keystone species
Suggested Search Terms
Species richness
Evolutionary differentiation
Trophic levels
Energy pyramids
Food webs
Introduction
Task & Process
Resources