Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems Activities
Investigate complex ecosystem interactions through field studies and controlled experiments focusing on Caribbean biodiversity and conservation.
Activity 1: Caribbean Coral Reef Ecosystem Analysis
Investigate symbiotic relationships and biodiversity patterns in coral reef ecosystems
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
Ecosystem Mapping (40 minutes)
Map reef zones and identify key species relationships
Biodiversity Assessment (50 minutes)
Conduct systematic species counts and behavior observations
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
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
Layer Characterization (35 minutes)
Map forest layers and measure environmental gradients
Species Distribution Analysis (45 minutes)
Document species preferences and adaptations by layer
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)