Earth Systems Q1 – Activity 2.2.1
BACKYARD DIVERSITY
Biotic Factors (Living Things) Abiotic (Non-living Things) Example
of a Food Chain
Use the table to record your findings. When you’re done
recording your findings, then write a paragraph that summarizes what you’ve
discovered about life inside a tiny yard.
- You are not restricted to just your backyard for this assignment; you may find your front yard more interesting. If you live on a ranch or a farm, you may want to go into a pasture or field to do the assignment. If you live in the city or a town, or someplace where a yard is not available, a local park, grassy or safe wooded area is a perfect place to explore for biodiversity.
- In the first column of the table, list all biotic factorsâliving organismsâthat you can find. For example, you may find some of the following: hawks, bluebirds, sparrows, coyotes, wolves, bears, deer, rabbits, snakes, toads, lizards, worms, grubs, or bugs such as spiders, flies, gnats, or crickets. You must list at least 8 organisms to receive full credit.
- In the second column list all of the abiotic factors in, or immediately adjacent to your yard. These might include soil type (clay, sandy, loam, topsoil, etc.), climate and weather, temperature, season, rivers, streams, lakes, any other water source, rocks, or mountains. All nonliving factors must be listed. You must list at least 5 nonliving (abiotic) factors to receive full credit.
- In the third column, give one example of a food chain that could be found in your yard. For example, you might say, grass, grasshopper, bird, snake, and hawk. You must have a minimum of 3 organisms in your food chain.
- Write a summary paragraph. Include your responses to the following questions in your summary:What is your favorite organism, plant or animal, in the yard? Why?
- What kinds of habitats did you find in the yard? In other words, what types of âhomesâ do the organisms in the yard live in? For example: under rocks, nests in trees, underground tunnels, etc.
- Do you think the yard has a lot of biodiversity, or a little biodiversity? Why?
- Did you discover anything new about the yard after doing this assignment? Why do you find it interesting?
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