List at least five terms from the introduction that you can use as keywords in your search.
Climate change
Ecosystem stability
Biotic factors
Abiotic factors
Biodiversity
Identify at least two websites or other sources you will use to start your research. If you end up using other websites or sources to answer the questions in Part 2, add them to this list. Cross out any websites that don't end up helping you complete the activity.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) website on global climate change
U.S. National Park Service (NPS) website, for information about ecosystems found in the national parks
Evaluate two of the sources you plan to use. Explain why each source seems credible and likely to contain accurate information. Evaluate the arguments they present. Do the arguments seem valid? Are they backed up by data? Identify possible sources of bias.
NASA website: The NASA website is a credible source because it is a government agency that specializes in space exploration and aeronautics. The website contains accurate information and data on climate change that has been peer-reviewed and published in scientific journals. The arguments presented on the website are valid and backed up by data. The website also includes possible sources of bias, such as political pressure and funding sources.
U.S. National Park Service (NPS) website: The NPS website is a credible source because it is a government agency that is responsible for preserving natural and cultural resources in the national parks. The website contains accurate information on ecosystems found in the national parks that has been peer-reviewed and published in scientific journals. The arguments presented on the website are valid and backed up by data. The website also includes possible sources of bias, such as political pressure and funding sources.
What ecosystem did you choose? What do you already know about this ecosystem, and what do you need to learn?
I chose the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem. I know that it is the world's largest coral reef system and is located off the coast of Australia. I need to learn more about the abiotic and biotic factors in this ecosystem, the keystone species, and how climate change is affecting its stability.
Describe your chosen ecosystem in detail. What abiotic factors are important? What biotic factors are important? What are the keystone species? How do the interactions of these factors affect the stability of the ecosystem?
The Great Barrier Reef ecosystem is a complex system of coral reefs, islands, and shallow waters. Some important abiotic factors in this ecosystem include water temperature, water quality, light levels, and salinity. Some important biotic factors include corals, fish, sea turtles, sharks, and dolphins. The keystone species in this ecosystem are the corals, which provide habitat and food for a diverse range of species. The interactions between these factors are important for the stability of the ecosystem. For example, changes in water temperature or quality can harm the corals, which in turn can affect the populations of other species that rely on them for food and habitat.
How has the climate been changing in your chosen ecosystem? List at least two specific changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, or other weather patterns. Include data from your research and cite your sources.
According to the NOAA climate website, the Great Barrier Reef ecosystem has experienced an increase in sea surface temperature of 0.9°C since the late 1800s. This increase in temperature has led to more frequent and severe coral bleaching events, which can lead to coral death. The website also states that the Great Barrier Reef has experienced more frequent and intense cyclones, which can damage the corals and disrupt the ecosystem.