Biome and Ecosystem Debriefing
According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Science 3, a biome is a major, geographically extensive ecosystem, structurally characterized by its dominant life forms. There are many different biomes worldwide, however we will focus only on the major biomes adapted from a classification of global biomes and ecosystems proposed by E.P. Odum.
A basic Google Image search for "World Biomes Map" reveals quite the conundrum. There are a variety of classifications, colors, regional assignments, etc. The study of ecology is a fairly new field (think 1920s or so). There are a variety of classifications because there are a variety of opinions, a variety of scientists and ecologists studying a myriad of variables within each classification system. In short, the Mystery Biomes and Ecosystems you have been presented with here are just one example of how ecologists have worked to classify our planet. In some cases, the classifications provided here are comparable to classifications in other systems, they simply have different names. Knowledge of the geographic location of these biomes and ecosystems can help to determine which classifications are comparable within different systems.
A basic Google Image search for "World Biomes Map" reveals quite the conundrum. There are a variety of classifications, colors, regional assignments, etc. The study of ecology is a fairly new field (think 1920s or so). There are a variety of classifications because there are a variety of opinions, a variety of scientists and ecologists studying a myriad of variables within each classification system. In short, the Mystery Biomes and Ecosystems you have been presented with here are just one example of how ecologists have worked to classify our planet. In some cases, the classifications provided here are comparable to classifications in other systems, they simply have different names. Knowledge of the geographic location of these biomes and ecosystems can help to determine which classifications are comparable within different systems.
Travel Itinerary:
Today: Complete Mission Checkpoint Checklist
Tonight: Mission Tasks-Research
Tomorrow: Mission Tasks-Group work, Details to come
Directions:
- Below are two options. The one you should follow is listed on the Mystery Biome Card you received.
- On each mystery biome card is a number, a title (Mystery Biome Card), and three or more words/phrases listed in descending order. The first option you select is the first of these words'phrases listed. The second option you must select is the second of these words/phrases listed, and so on.
- When you have reached your mystery biome, enter your name in the appropriate location on your concept map printout.
- Then, type your name in the appropriate location on the live online concept map. Being that there are twenty one mystery biomes, some students will research the same biome.
- Review the basic information provided including links, maps, paragraphs, photos, biome classification map, etc.
- Take notes on preliminary research of biome provided on mystery biome page.
- Post summary on the Discussion Forum provided on our class website following these guidelines:
- Use this website (biome classification map and mystery biome page), your atlas, and your rubric as references.
- Title of post: Mystery Biome Card #, Mystery Biome Name
- Post: Write 5-7 sentences giving an overview of your biome. Include basic information for your biome, such as common flora and fauna, location, rainfall, terrain, climate, identifying physical features, etc.
- DUE: At end of class today with Mission Checkpoint Checklist.