Download Envir Science - Ecosystem OEQs

Science Open-Ended Questions
Subject
Unit Name
Environmental Science
Ecosystems
Rainforests are endangered biomes found in limited quantities throughout the world.
 Discuss two reasons for rainforest destruction.
 Explain how we that do not live in countries with rainforests can help to protect them
and why it is important that we do so.
Use specific details to support your answer!
There are 5 levels of ecological study that describe the theme of interconnectedness through
various forms of symbiosis.
 Identify and describe each of the five levels with examples. Be specific.
 What would happen if predation was non-existent?
Energy transfers through an ecosystem throughout different channels.
 Describe how energy transfers though an ecosystem, beginning with producers.
 Give an example of each level of a food chain and describe what would happen if
producers were removed from this chain?
The carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and water cycle are important in all ecosystems.
 Describe each of these cycles.
 Which cycle do you feel is most important and why?
Global warming has received much publicity in recent years.
 Describe the contributors of global warming.
 Do you agree with scientists’ theories of the direction that the Earth in heading, with
respect to global warming? Explain your reasoning.
An energy pyramid illustrates how organisms obtain energy.
 Determine the energy levels within an energy pyramid and describe each.
 What factor do you think will determine the number of trophic levels in an ecosystem
and explain your reasoning?
Acid precipitation is defined as any precipitation with a pH less than 5.6. Acid rain is known to
have detrimental effects on the ecosystem.
 Delineate how acid rain forms. Be specific with chemical reactions and explanations of
sources.
 What would happen to an ecosystem if the pH of the precipitation rose significantly to a
basic level?
Symbiotic relationships involve the interaction of two species.
 List and describe the three types of symbiotic relationships found in nature.
 If you had to choose one which one would you pick? Explain your choice.
Biogeochemical cycles are necessary in returning needed nutrients to the soil/atmosphere.
 Give two examples of these cycles and cite the materials that are recycled.
 Predict what would happen to life if one of these cycles stopped.