Module 1 Intro

Module 1—Energy Flow and the Cycling of Matter

Lesson 4 Lab: Interdependence of Plants and Animals

The sections of this lab that are to be submitted for assessment are indicated in your Module 1: Lesson 4 Assignment. Please place the answers to “Interdependence of Plants and Animals” on this document. Be sure to save the Assignment to your course folder.

Assignment

In previous science courses you learned about the important role undertaken by producers within ecosystems. They produce the oxygen you breathe and are the main source of energy for organisms. The combination of photosynthesis and cellular respiration demonstrates the linking, or interconnectedness, of biogeochemical cycles that act to maintain a balance, or equilibrium, with respect to the composition of gases found in the atmosphere.

To access this lab, go to this site:

Log on to the website. Talk to your teacher if you require a password.

1. Start the lab that comes up. You may work with a partner or you may ask classmates, using the discussion area, to help you with some of the questions.
   
   

2. Print the “Exploration Guide,” and follow the instructions.
   
   

3. Complete the lab in the “Exploration Guide.”
   
   

4. Answer the three questions in the “Exploration Guide.” There is space in your Module 1: Lesson 4 Assignment to copy and paste the guide questions and record your answers. You will be prompted to experiment with combinations of snails and plants until you are satisfied that you have observed the optimum ratio of snails to plants based on what you believe shows a stable mini-ecosystem.
   
   

5. Complete the self-checking “Assessment Questions” and check your answers. You should note which questions you had difficulty with. Print off or save a screen capture of these questions to your computer. You may be able to use these questions for a review.