Introduction to Ecology and Diversity

Assignment #1

Choose one of the terresrial biomes or aquatic ecosystems and use the Internet to collect additional information about it. Then create a 1-2 page, neat, attractive, and factual information sheet (complete with properly referenced pictures) about that biome or aquatic ecosystem that includes information about the abiotic factors that influence it (precipitation, temperature, dissolved oxygen, etc.), what animals and plants live there, and how they are adapted for life in that environment (give specific examples). For an example of how to properly reference a photograph, click here.

Assignment #2

Using the Internet, identify at least three specific examples EACH of competition, predation, herbivory, mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Try to find one example each of Batesian mimicry and Mullerian mimicry. These should be different than the examples provided in the textbook.

Once you have all of your examples, create a table that names the organisms involved, how they interact together, who benefits, and whether or not this is a +/+, +/-, or +/0 relationship. Make sure this table is neat, well formatted, and attractive to look at. You may also include pictures, but make sure you reference the source. For an example of how to properly reference a photograph, click here.

Assignment #3

As Christians, we need to understand the many threats to biodiversity, including how our own personal actions can affect other species. We must learn to be good stewards and take care of God’s creation by conserving biodiversity and the species that share our planet. But sometimes the problems seem too big or too far away for us to make a difference. However, there are some very concrete things we can do to change our habits to be more protective of other species.

Your assignment is to investigate the kinds of responses you can make as an individual that will help you to do your part to conserve biodiversity. Here are some web sites to get you started in your research.

Once you have some ideas, you are to write a 2-3 page paper (1.5 spaces) that outlines the current threats to biodiversity, and then summarize several ways that individuals can make to conserve biodiversity through their own actions. Then, try to select one or two simple, but concrete things that you would be willing to do to conserve biodiversity, and tell me why you selected those. Try to convince me that I should join you in your commitment to do these things.

I will be grading you on (1) whether you actually do the assignment, (2) spelling and grammar, (3) how well you outline the problems and possible solutions in your paper, and (4) how well you convince me to join you in your quest.

I would like you to write me a 2-3 page reaction paper to the chapters we have been studying on evolution. What I am interested in hearing about is your response to the creation-evolution debate. What is your perspective on this issue? Has your perspective changed since we have been studying the topic of evolution in class? Why or why not? What is some of the convincing evidence FOR evolution that you have heard about in class? What, if any, of the evidence presented for evolution in class is still questionable in your mind? In your mind, can one be a Christian, but still believe in evolution? How does your position on this topic impact your witness as a Christian, if at all?

The paper should be 2-3 pages, 1.5 spaced, with no spelling or grammatical errors.

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