Post-Field+Study+Learning+Activity

A Field Study Report Murray River Ecosystem in Echuca

Information for inclusion in final report: At the completion of the field study students are required to compile the data they have collected in the field and prepare a report. This report will form the major assessment task for this Area of Study, //Dynamic Ecosystems//. The report must include the information outlined below:


 * A summary of the data and information you gathered during your field study.


 * A description of the abiotic factors measured at the time of your study.
 * Suggest how the abiotic factors in this ecosystem are likely to change over a 24-hour period.
 * Describe how such changes in the abiotic factors are likely to affect the plant and animal life in the ecosystem.


 * Population abundance and distribution of organisms.
 * Plants:
 * Describe the distribution of plant species along the transect line.
 * Account for any differences in the distribution you observed.
 * Calculate the average size of the plant population in per quadrat.
 * Estimate the abundance of the plant species in the area.
 * Comment on the variability of measurements made in different quadrats.
 * Animals:
 * Discuss the abundance and distribution of the animal species you recorded during the field study.
 * Discuss what and how changes to abiotic factors could affect this organism over a 12 month period.
 * Outline some factors that might account for the distribution and abundance of organisms in the ecosystem.
 * Select one of the animals you identified in this study and describe the organim's ecological niche.


 * Describe an example of each of the following kinds of relationships evident in the ecosystem:
 * predator-prey
 * parasite-host
 * mutual benefit


 * A food web, including trophic levels.
 * You should utilise the food chains developed when the field study was conducted.
 * The food web should include at least two different plants and at least four different animal species.
 * Use the food web to explain how energy moves through ecosystems.


 * Describe how human activity appears to have impacted on the ecosystem. Identify any strategies that might lead to an improvement in the quality of this ecosystem.


 * A fictional scenario of how bioaccumulation might occur.


 * An account of how the ecosystem might change over time. For example in 10 years, 100 years.


 * How matter is cycled through the ecosystem.


 * Relevant photos, biological drawings, diagrams and/or maps.


 * A conclusion.

The report may be submitted as:
 * a written piece;
 * PowerPoint presentation;
 * Wiki; or
 * other format as agreed with your teacher.