Reference no: EM133192599 , Length: Word count: 2 Pages
Assignment Task: Ecology, Conservation, and Biological Pollution Worksheet
Select one of the following ecosystems of South Florida to be the focus of your lab report:
- Tropical Hardwood Hammock
- Pine Rockland
- Cypress
- Sawgrass Prairie
- Mangroves
Question 1: Describe the ecosystem: Is this ecosystem found outside of South Florida? Which animals live there? Etc.
Question 2: Human interactions and alterations: Are there any resources from this ecosystem that humans use? Is there a particular history of Indigenous or traditional relationships with this ecosystem?
(For example, in Georgia, river cane holds important cultural value to the Cherokee nation, who use it to build shelter, weapons, and furniture. Its tight bamboo-like forests also provided safe refuge for afro-descendent peoples who escaped enslavement and genocide in South Georgia).
How does this ecosystem fare in the context of South Florida land use? What sort of threats does it face as a result of human activity?
Question 3: Native species profile & drawing: Select one native species that is found in this ecosystem. What relationships does it hold with other species? Describe its general characteristics, ecology, and provide a drawing of the organism (plant or animal is fine!).
Question 4: Invasive species profile: Select an invasive species to this ecosystem. Please select one that was not described in the lecture (no lionfish, burmese python, or kudzu). How does this species interact with native species? How was it introduced and how did it spread throughout South Florida? What concerns does this species bring to ecological management & biodiversity conservation?