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Biotic Component

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Ecosystem Structure, Function, and Change

Select and complete one of the following assignments:

Option 1: Ecosystem Components Paper Option 2: Ecosystem Components Video and Summary

Option 1: Ecosystem Components Paper

Select a representative natural ecosystem in your area or one that you are interested in—such as a lake, preserve, or park—that is managed for native species.

• Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper explaining the following:

o The major structural and functional dynamics (processes) of that ecosystem including change over time o How humans may have affected biogeochemical cycles in that ecosystem, including impacts to the nitrogen, phosphorus, or carbon cycle o How knowledge about that ecosystem’s structure and function can help or has helped to develop plans for its management and restoration o The implication of species interactions in ecosystem management and restoration

• Include two outside references. • Format your paper consistent with APA guidelines.

Option 2: Ecosystem Components Video and Summary

Select a representative natural ecosystem in your area or one that you are interested in—such as a lake, preserve, or park—that is managed for native species.

• Shoot a 7- to 10-minute video chronicling the following:

o The major structural and functional dynamics (processes) of that ecosystem including change over time o How humans may have affected biogeochemical cycles in that ecosystem, including impacts to the nitrogen, phosphorus, or carbon cycle o How knowledge about that ecosystem’s structure and function can help or has helped to develop plans for its management and restoration o The implication of species interactions in ecosystem management and restoration

• Conduct research on the natural ecosystem you selected or interview natural resource management staff or other expert personnel. • Write a 200- to 300-word summary of your video describing your approach to this assignment. • Edit and format your video for flow.

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