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Ecosystems Unit Activity 2.3 Biomass Patterns in Ecosystems

Explore the dynamics of biomass in ecosystems through a Meadow Simulation activity. Analyze the impact of population dynamics on biomass levels and discuss the resulting patterns. Engage in evidence-based argumentation to deepen comprehension.

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Ecosystems Unit Activity 2.3 Biomass Patterns in Ecosystems

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  1. Ecosystems UnitActivity 2.3 Biomass Patterns in Ecosystems Carbon: Transformations in Matter and Energy Environmental Literacy ProjectMichigan State University

  2. Unit map You are here

  3. The Meadow Simulation • Take out your completed 2.2 Meadow Simulation Worksheet • What was the maximum biomass of foxes that you observed at the end of the 100-year simulation (any trial)? • What was the maximum biomass of rabbits that you observed at the end of the 100-year simulation (any trial)?

  4. Results of the Meadow Simulation • What was the maximum biomass of grasses that you observed at the end of the 100-year simulation (any trial)? • Why did the greatest grass biomass occur when the foxes and rabbits died off?

  5. Meadow Simulation Class Results:What initial biomass settings lead to the highest fox biomass?

  6. Discussion Questions • In any trials did you get foxes completely die out? How do we explain this? • If grasses, rabbits, and foxes all survived for 100 years, the final biomass of each population at the end of the simulation was always the same. How do we explain this?

  7. Complete the Evidence-Based Arguments Tool

  8. Comparing ideas with a partner • Compare your evidence, conclusions, and unanswered questions for each of the Three Questions. • How are they alike? • How are they different? • Consider making revisions to your argument based on your conversation with your partner.

  9. What are your arguments in the first row?

  10. What are your arguments in the second row?

  11. Conclusion #1 The biomass diagram that represents the maximum fox and rabbit biomass in the meadow resembles a pyramid. How do we explain this?

  12. Conclusion #2 Only three final biomass diagrams are possible in the meadow ecosystem. How do we explain this?

  13. Biomass Patterns in Ecosystems So far we have identified an important pattern in the biomass of different populations in an ecosystem: Producers > herbivores > carnivores

  14. Unanswered question What are the processes that cause the biomass pyramid? This will be the focus of the next lesson.

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