In this assignment, you will investigate the biotic and abiotic structure and function of an ecosystem. You will also investigate how ecosystems recover from disturbance naturally and through human restoration.
Choose 1 of the following ecosystems:
- Tropical rainforest
- Grassland
- Coral reef
- Estuary
- Desert
You will write an APA-style research paper about your choice of ecosystem, including the following elements:
- Describe where this type of ecosystem might be located. Name 1 specific example.
- Describe nutrient cycling of carbon (i.e., the steps of the carbon cycle) using examples of living things specific to the ecosystem you have chosen.
- Describe 1 natural and 1 human-caused disturbance to the ecosystem that you have chosen, and explain the damage done to the ecosystem.
- Provide a specific example of 1 natural resource provided by the ecosystem that you have selected. (Note that air, water, and soil are common to all ecosystems.)
- How can the one resource you have described be sustained into the future?
- How can humans act as good stewards to assist the recovery of the ecosystem you have chosen after a disturbance? Provide 1 example specific to the ecosystem that you have chosen.
Utilize at least 1 credible source to support the arguments presented in the paper. Make sure you cite appropriately within your paper and list the reference(s) in APA format on your Reference page.