Activity 1: Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystem Analysis
Investigate symbiotic relationships and biodiversity patterns in coral reef ecosystems
Ecosystem interactions & biodiversity assessment
Learning Objectives
- • Analyze symbiotic relationships in coral reef systems
- • Investigate biodiversity patterns and species interactions
- • Evaluate human impacts on reef ecosystem health
- • Design conservation strategies for reef protection
- • Connect reef health to Caribbean economic systems
Field Study Equipment
- • Underwater viewing boxes or snorkel gear
- • Waterproof identification guides
- • Quadrat frames for sampling
- • pH testing kits and thermometers
- • Underwater cameras or drawing materials
- • Data collection sheets in waterproof cases
Investigation Process
1
Ecosystem Mapping (40 minutes)
Map reef zones and identify key species relationships
2
Biodiversity Assessment (50 minutes)
Conduct systematic species counts and behavior observations
3
Health Assessment (30 minutes)
Evaluate coral bleaching and ecosystem stress indicators
Key Relationships
- • Coral-zooxanthellae symbiosis
- • Cleaner fish-client relationships
- • Predator-prey dynamics
- • Territorial and feeding behaviors
Reef Zone Analysis
Fore Reef Zone
- • High wave energy environment
- • Dominant hard coral species
- • Large predatory fish populations
- • Maximum biodiversity area
Reef Crest
- • Shallow, high-energy zone
- • Specialized coral adaptations
- • Algae-grazing fish communities
- • Wave-resistant species
Back Reef Lagoon
- • Protected, low-energy environment
- • Seagrass and soft coral habitats
- • Juvenile fish nursery areas
- • High sediment tolerance species
Conservation Challenge Analysis
Threat Assessment
- • Climate change and ocean acidification
- • Coastal development and sedimentation
- • Overfishing and destructive practices
- • Pollution and nutrient runoff
Conservation Strategies
- • Marine protected area establishment
- • Sustainable tourism practices
- • Coral restoration and transplantation
- • Community-based management programs
Activity 2: Caribbean Rainforest Vertical Ecosystem Investigation
Explore biodiversity and ecological niches across rainforest canopy layers
Vertical stratification & niche analysis
Learning Objectives
- • Investigate vertical stratification in tropical rainforests
- • Analyze ecological niches and resource partitioning
- • Study pollination and seed dispersal networks
- • Evaluate endemic species and conservation priorities
- • Connect forest health to watershed protection
Canopy Study Tools
- • Binoculars for canopy observations
- • Measuring tapes and clinometers
- • Light meters and humidity sensors
- • Sound recording equipment
- • Plant and animal identification guides
- • Sampling nets and collection containers
Stratification Study
1
Layer Characterization (35 minutes)
Map forest layers and measure environmental gradients
2
Species Distribution Analysis (45 minutes)
Document species preferences and adaptations by layer
3
Interaction Network Mapping (20 minutes)
Identify key ecological relationships and dependencies
Forest Layers
- • Emergent layer (40+ meters)
- • Canopy layer (20-40 meters)
- • Understory (5-20 meters)
- • Forest floor (0-5 meters)
Caribbean Endemic Species Focus
Birds
- • Caribbean parrots (Amazona species)
- • Hummingbird diversity and pollination
- • Frugivorous species and seed dispersal
- • Migratory vs. resident populations
Plants
- • Epiphytic orchids and bromeliads
- • Strangler figs and climbing adaptations
- • Medicinal plant traditional uses
- • Rare and endangered species
Invertebrates
- • Butterfly diversity and host plants
- • Ant-plant mutualistic relationships
- • Decomposer communities
- • Pollinator network analysis
Assessment Components (100 points total)
Field Data Portfolio (40 pts)
- • Species identification accuracy (15 pts)
- • Environmental measurements (15 pts)
- • Observation quality (10 pts)
Ecosystem Analysis (35 pts)
- • Relationship mapping (20 pts)
- • Niche analysis (10 pts)
- • Conservation assessment (5 pts)
Conservation Plan (25 pts)
- • Threat identification (10 pts)
- • Strategy development (10 pts)
- • Implementation feasibility (5 pts)
