F/RS 310
Assignment #6
Ecoregion Boundary Assignment
60 Points Possible

Introduction

For this assignment, you will need to identify and travel to an ecoregion boundary and provide a description of the boundary region, including a comparison of the ecoregion on either side of the boundary. Keep in mind that ecoregion boundaries are not necessarily discrete but, rather, may involve a gradual transition from one ecoregion to the next. Use Bailey’s subregion ecoregion map in order to help you identify an ecoregion boundary to visit (posted on Canvas). Prior to visiting the ecoregion boundary do some research on the ecoregions on each side of the boundary so you know what differentiates the two regions.

Objective

The objective of this assignment is to give you the opportunity to visit an ecoregion boundary that separates two different ecoregions that differ in their structure and function. We have talked a lot about ecosystem structure and function in lectures, and now you will have to opportunity to put some of the concepts and language we have learned to practice in explaining differences between different ecosystem types. A secondary objective is to give you experience explaining technical ecological concepts in language that can be understood by people not trained in this discipline.

Student Learning Objectives

After completing this assignment you will:

• Improve your ability to analyze climate data and create diagrams to communicate climate patterns to the public
• Develop skills to evaluate the mechanisms the drive differences in ecosystsem function
• Improve your written communication skills through creating a pamphlet that conveys scientific concepts in language that can be understood by a wide range of readers
• Improve your oral communication skills through discussions with colleagues about the ecological processes involved in creating ecoregion boundaries.

 

Description of Activities

You must work in groups of 2 or 3. Make sure you include a picture of everyone in your group at (or near) the ecoregion boundary. One of the goals of this assignment is to get you talking with your colleagues (ie. fellow students) about the differences in structure and function of natural ecosystems.

 

Format of your pamphlet

What I’d like for this assignment is a ‘visitors guide’ pamphlet of the ecoregion boundary you visit. Microsoft word has templates that you can use to create tri-fold pamphlets. If you have an idea for an alternatively format, please check with me, but I definitely encourage some creativity for this assignment. Examples of pamphlets submitted by students in previous semesters are available for you to reference on Canvas.

What I don’t want – A 2-3 page written report of the boundary you visited.

 

Elements that need to be in your pamphlet

• Title
• Author(s)
• Maps
• Pictures
• Diagrams
• Data tables
• Short descriptions of the above material

You need to have at least 1 data table, one data figure, and one map in your pamphlet/report. You also need to have a climate diagram for the region you choose to visit.

 

Information that you need to include in your pamphlet

1) A description of where the ecoregion boundary is located. This could be done by marking the location you visited on a map that also includes the ecoregion boundary, but I imagine you may come up with a better idea. Include the names of each ecoregion on either side of the boundary. This section does need to include a climate diagram for the region.

• Grading for this section
  • Description of location (5 points)
  • Visual aid (10 points)

2) A description of the two ecoregions on either side of the boundary you visited, including their names. This could be done with some photos and some description of the dominant species in each ecoregion. I want you to identify at least 2 of the dominant species in each ecoregion on either side of the boundary. Include pictures of the entire plant as well pictures of the individual leaves. Use the terminology we’ve been discussing in lab to describe the leaves. Also, describe any differences in the density or size of the species present, or differences in the canopy and/or leaf structure. Some general description of the vegetation structure of ecoregion should be included in your pamphlet.

• Possible methods to present information in report:
  • Photo of each ecoregion and the boundary
  • Table of species accompanied by photos
  • Grading for this section
  • Ecoregion names (4 points)
  • Species ID (6 points, pictures of individuals must be shown)
  • Community structure description (5 points)
  • Visual aid (10 pts)

3) A description of why the ecoregion boundary occurs at this location. Is it because there is a change in climate, soil type, soil depth, topography, soil moisture, or disturbance? This should include some description of the factors that determine vegetation described by Hans Jenny (given in lecture 1). This may require some digging in the literature. Make sure to cite any sources you use.

• Possible methods to present information in report:
  • Diagram of the topography
  • Measurements of elevation in each ecoregion
  • Photos of topographic differences
  • Information on soil type
  • Grading for this section
  • Description of the mechanisms driving the change in vegetation (5 points)
  • Visual aid (10 points)

4) Describe the transition between the two ecoregions, such as how quickly the site transitions form one ecoregion to another and why. Estimate (estimate is the key word here) the distance over which the transition from one ecoregion to the other occurs and discuss why you think the ecoregion boundary occurs very quickly (within a few meters) or more slowly.

• Grading for this section
  • Description of the change (5 points)

You will be graded on the content and clarity of the report. Make sure you address the 4 categories described above and be sure to put some thought into the organization and visuals aids used in your report. Also, I don’t want an excessive amount of text, so your descriptions need to be clear and succinct.