Mini Research Paper MLA STYLE : Biology

Trophic Relationships

We have learned about resource cycling and energy flow through ecosystems and directly investigated how changes in one resource (like nitrogen) can influence entire ecosystems from the overgrowth of algae to the die-off of fish and subsequent negative effects to top predators. Choose ONE of the ecosystems below and write a short paper (minimum of 750 words, excluding references) in your own words that addresses each of the following guiding questions.

Ecosystem A: Alaska

1. Research energy flow through the Alaska Aleutian Islands but focusing specifically on the guiding question: What ecosystem-level changes resulted from the decline of sea otters in Alaska?

2. Include at least 12 organisms in your explanation. 3. Identify and describe all the relevant biotic and abiotic factors that play a role in this story. 4. Are there any research projects currently focused on understanding this ecosystem? Please

describe. 5. Diagram the trophic relationships in this trophic web and describe the relationships in words

using the biological terms for Lab 8 in your manual. You can scan this and submit this along with your paper to the link on Canvas.

Ecosystem B: Wakulla Springs

1. Describe the natural flow of water to Wakulla Springs including the sources of water and any stops or natural filtering sites. Where does the water go afterwards? Make sure to cite your evidence.

2. Describe what human interferences have affected which parts of the water flow to or from the springs. How does that impact the ecosystem? Remember all the parts of the ecosystem, both biotic and abiotic.

3. How else do humans impact Wakulla Springs collectively or individually? 4. Is the state of the spring improving or deteriorating? How do you know and in what ways is it

changing? 5. How can we (collectively and individually) improve the state of Wakulla Springs and other

Florida springs? 6. How have your experiences in BSC1005L supported your understanding of the

interconnectedness of abiotic and biotic systems?

*Be sure your paper is organized with appropriate paragraphing and headings. This should read as a cohesive paper, NOT a list of answers to these questions. Proofread your paper and remember to cite all sources both with in-text citations and a works cited using MLA format.