Week 2 Assignment

Trophic Pyramid

Ecological Pyramid For Specific Ecosystem within a Biome: In this assignment, you will be creating a trophic pyramid, also known as an “ecological pyramid,” for a specific ecosystem within a biome you choose. Your completed trophic pyramid will be used to identify the trophic levels within the food web, as well as their effects on the ecosystem.

Utilize the “Trophic Pyramid PDF,” to complete this assignment. This resource can be accessed through the assignment or within the Biome Explorer. Always save the PDF to your computer prior to typing within the fields. Failure to initially save the document can result in the loss of work upon closing.

Select a biome and a specific ecosystem within that biome. Select an ecosystem from an area of interest to you. When choosing an ecosystem, be specific. For help differentiating between biomes and ecosystems, review the “Biome Explorer” and the “Biomes and Ecosystems Infographic” found in the topic materials. You are encouraged to use these resources but do not cite them.

You will complete the trophic pyramid by entering the names of the species found in the ecosystem you have selected, that belong to the various trophic levels (e.g., apex predators, tertiary consumers, secondary consumers, primary consumers, and primary producers).

Utilize credible sources to select and research your chosen ecosystem, including the textbook and the Internet. These sources must be peer reviewed and cited.

Use the completed trophic pyramid, as well as the information you have researched, to answer the questions within the document. There is a 50 word minimum requirement per question.

Prepare this assignment according to the guidelines found in the GCU Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.

You are not required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.

Name: __________________________________

Date: __________________________________

Apex Predator

Tertiary Consumers

Secondary Consumers

Primary Consumers

Primary Producers

TROPHIC PYRAMID

Ecological Pyramid For Specific Ecosystem within a Biome Directions:

Select a biome and a specific ecosystem within that biome. Select an ecosystem from an area of interest to you.

When choosing an ecosystem, be specific. For help differentiating between biomes and ecosystems, review the “Biome Explorer” and the “Biomes and Ecosystems Infographic” found in the topic materials. You are encouraged to use these resources but do not cite them.

Complete the trophic pyramid by entering the names of the species found in the ecosystem you have selected, that belong to the various trophic levels.

Utilize credible sources to select and research your chosen ecosystem, including the textbook and the Internet.

These sources must be peer reviewed and cited (on page 3).

Enter the name of a biome.

Choose an ecosystem within your selected biome.

1TROPHIC PYRAMID

Ecological Pyramid For Specific Ecosystem within a Biome Directions continued:

Use the completed trophic pyramid, as well as the information you have researched, to answer the questions. There is a 50 word minimum requirement per question.

1.Of the primary producers you selected, which one do you think has the biggest influence on the ecosystem youresearched? Explain.

2.What species did you select for the apex predator? Explain the importance of the apex predator’s effect on the otherspecies in your tropic pyramid.

3.How did the amount of energy gained compare to the amount of energy lost as heat at the 2nd–4th trophic levels?

4.Referring to your completed trophic pyramid template, select one species. Make sure to select a different species than the other species of the ecosystem?

Name: __________________________________

Date: __________________________________

2

those used within questions 1 or 2. If this species was removed from your trophic pyramid, what would be the impact on

TROPHIC PYRAMID

Questions continued:

5. Can efforts to save a species from extinction be successful if the focus of preservation is only on that species? Explain

your answer.

6. Considering the amount of energy required in producing animal-based foods and goods, should humans change their

habits so they consume products closer to the bottom of the trophic pyramid? Provide rationale for your response.

This assignment requires a minimum of two peer reviewed references to be included.

References: Please cite your sources using the text box below. Sources must be peer reviewed and properly cited.

Do not cite the biome explorer or infographic.

Name: __________________________________

Date: __________________________________