Changing Conditions Changing Ecosystems

I can evaluate the claims evidence and reasoning that stable conditions result in consistent populations within an ecosystem while changing conditions can result in a new ecosystem. Background An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and the nonliving components of the environment. Energy flows in an ecosystem in one direction through food chains and a food web is made up of all the food chains within a community of organisms. Food chains and food webs consist of the producers (the autotrophs of an ecosystem) the primary consumers (the herbivores and omnivores of the ecosystem) the secondary consumers (the carnivores and omnivores of the ecosystem) and the top predator. Some ecosystems have complex food webs and some do not. In ecosystems with a complex food web herbivores and omnivores eat many different types of plants and carnivores eat many different types of animals. The consumers in this type of ecosystem are described as generalists. Ecosystems that support consumers that rely on a single food source in contrast have simple food webs because the consumers are specialists. Task 1 In this performance task you will evaluate the evidence of how the reintroduction of the wolf population affected the ecosystem at Yellowstone Park. Watch the video and read some information about this using the link below. http://www.yellowstonepark.com/wolf-reintroduction-changes-ecosystem/ After reading and watching the video what changes resulted from the introduction of wolves into this ecosystem? List several changes that occurred. Task 1 Analyzing Counter-arguments The following articles present evidence that counters the previous article and video. http://www.popsci.com/article/science/have-wolves-really-saved-yellowstone http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/10/opinion/is-the-wolf-a-real-american-hero.html?_r=4 After reading these two articles what counter question do you have about wolves being a keystone species for Yellowstone? Provide three key pieces of evidence that formed your question. Question Evidence 1: Evidence 2: Evidence 3: Guiding Questions How do changing environmental conditions affect an ecosystem? Task 2 Analyzing graphs The following are graphs which illustrate the change of various populations over time. Below the graphs you will have an opportunity to analyze the data by noting patterns and drawing conclusions about the changes in the population effect on the ecosystem. You will use the information you collect from these graphs to help support your argument. Task 2 Task 3 Write your 1-2 page argument as to how the changes in the environment affected the ecosystem at Yellowstone. Make sure you include the following components: -Stating your claim -Citing your evidence -Justifying your argument Your paper should also address the counter question you developed. *In addressing your own counter question you can decide to cite your evidence and reasoning that supports the claim that the wolf population has still made an impact has not made an impact or that it is inconclusive. Be clear about stating whether you agree disagree or need more evidence to decide. Mastery Rubric Section Beginning Mastery (1) Near Mastery (2) Mastery (3) Learning Target: (HS-LS2-6): I can evaluate the claims evidence and reasoning that stable conditions result in consistent populations within an ecosystem while changing conditions can result in a new ecosystem. Topic and Content Report lacks an understanding that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. Additionally report does not provide an argument evaluating this concept. Report provides an argument evaluating the concept that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. However report does not demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of this concept. Report shows a comprehensive understanding that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. Report also provides a relevant argument evaluating this concept. Use of Evidence and Analysis Report lacks reasoning and any evaluation of evidence to support claims that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. Report provides a basic evaluation of evidence to support claims that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. However report lacks sufficient reasoning. Report provides logical reasoning that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem based on a careful evaluation of evidence to support the claim. Coherence and Organization Report lacks organized evidence and coherent reasoning to support claims that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. Report requires further organization of evidence and clarification of reasoning to support claims that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. Report uses coherent reasoning and organized evidence to effectively support claims that complex interactions in an ecosystem maintain stable conditions but changing conditions may result in a new ecosystem. Vocabulary and Academic Language Report shows little use of academic and domain language which hinders the development of evidence and analysis. -APA format is not used. Report contains academic and domain language but also has non-academic language when needed to support evidence or analysis. -An attempt is made to use APA format Report consistently makes use of accurate academic and domain language so that evidence and analysis is strengthened. -APA format is used appropriately. Exceeding Mastery (4) In addition to mastery in all categories above the report also includes 3 of the following elements: A connection to a local scientist or community a counter-argument an explanation of how the content from this report is related to content from another unit a relationship to real-world examples or applications additional sources use of advanced appropriate scientific vocabulary. Requirements: ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS | .doc file ‘