The Project:
For this project it was our goal to use the concepts of the study ecology. Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with there environments. We were meant to use these concepts in order to study a specific ecosystem or organism. After understanding these interactions and human effect on them we were then meant to devise a plan of action in order to have a significant impact on the world, human impact, the species, and their ecosystem. In this way we would relate our understanding of this subject to the real world in a way that would make a real difference, making a truly interactive learning experience for this interesting topic.
For this project it was our goal to use the concepts of the study ecology. Ecology is the study of how organisms interact with there environments. We were meant to use these concepts in order to study a specific ecosystem or organism. After understanding these interactions and human effect on them we were then meant to devise a plan of action in order to have a significant impact on the world, human impact, the species, and their ecosystem. In this way we would relate our understanding of this subject to the real world in a way that would make a real difference, making a truly interactive learning experience for this interesting topic.
Content:
Concepts:Carrying Capacity- The amount of organisms that an environment can support. This is the main aspect of the Manatee environment that needs to be protected.
Abiotic- Non-living matter. In the Manatees environment water is definitely an important abiotic element. Biotic- Alive or once alive matter. The most important biotic part of our project were the Manatees themselves. Mutualism- An interaction between organisms where both benefit. A great example of mutalism that can be found in the ocean is the relationship between clownfish and sea anemone. Competition- The struggle between two organisms for one resource. This can be seen with Manatees and all other forms of life that eat the sea grass such as birds and dugong. Commensalism- An interaction between two organisms where one organism benefits and the other is not affected. An example in the ocean can be found with sea cucumbers locomotion being taken advantage of by imperial shrimp. Organization In Ecology- There are many levels to ecology. In order they are: individual, population, community, ecosystem , biome , and lastly biosphere. Limiting Factors- Factors that stop a population from growing to a certain size. There are two types of limiting factors, density dependent factors, factors that only come into play when the population is a certain size, such as amount of resources, competition, and space. Such as the supply of sea-grass for the Manatees. The other kind, is density independent factors, which are not based on the size of the population like natural disasters, unusual weather, and human activities. Such as the killing of Manatees due to boating. Biomass- The biological matter that is to be later turned into energy and re-enter the cycle. Manatees are one of the many forms of Biomass. Biodiversity- The variety of species in an ecosystem. The ocean is a very bio-diverse place. Food Web- The interactions of populations visualized. An example of the food web relating to Manatees is on our website and can be found below. |
The Carbon Cycle:
The diagram below showcases the carbon cycle in the manatee's environment. The phytoplankton creates carbon dioxide withing itself, which is then consumed by the zooplankton. The zooplankton then rleasesfecal matters which settle to the bottom of the ocean, and then fossilizes. The zooplankton also excretes a chemical that is then necesarry for the phytoplankton to photosynthesise
Water Cycle:
The diagram below showcases the water cycle. The ocean is a huge body of water which evaporates. The water then condensates into clouds which precipitate down back into the ocean.
The Nitrogen Cycle:
The diagram below showcases the nitrogen cycle. Animals secrete some nitrogen, which eventually builds up in the sediment at the bottom of the ocean. This then goes through the process of nitration, which then allows it to be released back into the ocean and consumed by the organisms who will perish and decompose.
Reflection:
Over the course of the project not only did we accomplish a lot but both my group and me personally grew in terms of knowledge and teamwork. As members of a group we all had our own ways of helping out to work towards the goal. Personally I feel I excelled in both collaboration and leadership. I made sacrifices of my own time quite a bit for this project. I also tried to make it a fun and productive environment when the group felt melancholy. But I also had many areas that needed improving. I realized during the project that I tend to push my own thoughts and plans as well as not delegating certain tasks and jobs as much as I should. I realized this and really tried to improve over the course of the project. As the project came to a close our group began to truly work together, I tried to let others speak first and give there ideas value as well as trying to let others have as much work accomplished as I did, so they could fell the benefit of hard work as well. This is what made this project a growing experience both intellectually and in character.