Biome Research Project- Revised

Overview
As we begin our study of ecology this semester, it is important to see the big picture and understand the similarities and differences of the many biomes of the
world. Simply put, a biome is an area of the planet that can be classified by the animals and plants that live in it. In our study of ecology this semester, the
particular biome may influence the community structures, the food chains, and or the many populations that it contains.

For this project, you will randomly select a biome from the predetermined list below and research it. Your research should conclude with a well-written
research paper on a particular biome. Additionally, you will have to present your biome to the class using a presentation format of your choice (PowerPoint,
Prezi, etc.)

Terrestrial Biomes of the World

Tropical Forest
Deciduous Forest
Coniferous Forest
Savanna
Desert
Chaparral
Temperate Grassland
Tundra

Research Paper Guidelines

All papers should be between 1.5 -2 written pages, double spaced, and must be written in APA format and be in size 12
Times New Roman font. All research papers should use in text citations to signify where factual information came from
and have bibliography that documents all sources in APA format. In your bibliography, you must cite at least 3 reliable
sources, however, you are free to use more than 3. This paper should reflect your own work entirely and is not a group
effort.

In terms of content, your research paper should look to include the following information:
1) A specific example of your biome, meaning a location and description.
2) Species present within the biome
3) The impact climate change has had/will have on the biome
4) Threats to the environment

Presentation - TBD
Along with turning in an individual research paper, you will be required to present your paper and biome to the class.
Presentation formats may vary (Prezi, PowerPoint, Google, etc.), however, all presentation must be longer than 10
minutes. Presentations grades will factor in knowledge of the subject, presentation format, vocal projection and
presentation speech, ability to answer questions, and overall presentation (see rubric).

Once the presentation is done, students in the audience and T. Dana will be able to ask questions about the biome.

Due date
TBD
Presentations will be scheduled for the week of May 21h.
Research Paper Checklist

 Select biome
 Paper is 3-5 pages (plus a bibliography page) in length
 Font is size 12 Times New Roman
 In-text citations
 Bibliography with at least 5 sources (APA format)
 Research covers:
o Defining characteristics of the biome
o Specific example of the biome
o Species present in the biome and the community dynamics
o Potential threats to the biome
o Invasive and/or keystone species in the biome
o At least one statistic relating to the biome or the well-being of those in it
 Presentation:
o Visual aid
o Ability to answer questions
o Decision on particular roles/parts within the group
 Group Presentation Rubric

Category Inadequate (0) Below Average (1) Average (2) Above Average (3)

Vocal
Projection &
Presentation
Speech

Knowledge
on the Topic

Presentation
Format

Ability to
Answer
Questions

Overall
Presentation

Notes: