Group members: Linnett Ortega, Brittney Varguez, Miraflore Ndifon

20 Biomes

Background

Biomes are the earth’s major ecosystems. Aquatic biomes are limited by availability of light and nutrients whereas terrestrial (land) biomes are limited by temperature and availability of rainfall (climate). They vary in productivity and diversity depending on the availability of the limiting factors.

In this lab, you will perform a literature search to acquire information about the different terrestrial biomes. When you use online resources, please check for the validity of the source. Usually, but not always, websites that are founded by education (.edu), government (.gov) and organizations (.org) have reliable information.

For a video about terrestrial biomes, watch

Biomes Living Landscapes

(Links to an external site.)

(11 min 34 sec).

Purpose

● Describe distinct physical and biological characteristics of the earth’s major terrestrial biomes.

● Simulate and understand how climate in the desert and rainforest biomes differ.

● Engage in literature and data search.

Materials

● Internet access ● Images of local biome

(The following are used in video demonstration)

● Water bath ● Incubator ● Thermometer ● Water ● Beakers ● Hot plate

Procedure

Watch video demonstration (to be posted) of experimental procedure and results.

Part 1: Simulating climate in desert and rainforest biomes. Note: (You will record data from the video.)

1. Heat up 200 ml of water to 50°C 2. Divide the water into two smaller beakers. 3. For one beaker, record temperature in Table 1. Then place beaker on top of

rack inside the water bath container so the beaker does not touch the water. Water will be at approximately 37°C and the air will be at 30°C. Be sure the lid is closed. Note start time: _______

4. For the second beaker, record temperature in Table 1. Then place beaker in the incubator set at 30°C. Note start time: _______

5. Record temperature of water in both beakers every 10 minutes until 30 minutes is reached. Work on part 2 of this lab while waiting.

6. After 30 minutes, remove beakers from respective environments and record final temperature in Table 1.

7. Graph your results in Figure 1.

Part 2: Biomes literature search*

1. Fill in Table 2 using resources on the internet and your textbook. 2. For average temperature, you can take the average of the temperature range. 3. Use the data in Table 2 to graph in Figure 2.

Results

Time

Environment

0 min

Water temp (°C)

10 min

Water temp (°C)

20 min

Water temp (°C)

30 min

Water temp (°C)

Water bath

Incubator

*Part 2 originally developed by Ronald Bryan

Discussion/Conclusion

1.

○ Which unique characteristic of water accounts for your results ?

○ Explain why in Southern California it can be fairly warm during the

day and cool off significantly at night. Would you expect the same in a rainforest?

2. Based on your data in Table 2 and Figure 2., how do rainfall/temperature correlate with productivity/diversity in biomes?

○ Suggest a hypothesis to explain the correlation.

3. List the references you used to find information about Biomes. Be sure another person can find the same information using your reference below.

4. Explore a SoCal ecosystem of your choice (ie. Griffith Park, Malibu Hills, Los Angeles National Forest, Joshua Tree). Visit or research online. GoogleEarth

5. (Links to an external site.) 6. is a good resource.

○ Name your local ecosystem location. ○ Provide evidence for your identification ○ Identify the biome it belongs to.

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