Abiotic Factor Lab

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Abiotic Factor Lab
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Questions to consider

• What abiotic factors will affect the distribution
  of organisms in these mini-ecosystems?
• How can you test the abiotic factors?
• How will the landscaping of the campus effect the
  species found here?
• Based on the information above, which type of
  species should you count?
• How will you count these species?

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Species Distribution

• G.1.1
• Outline the factors that affect the distribution
  of plant species, including temperature, water,
  light, soil pH, salinity and mineral nutrients
• G.1.2
• Explain the factors that affect the distribution
  of animal species, including, temperature, water,
  breeding sites, food supply and territory

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Abiotic Factor Lab

• You will be assigned a partner
• Select an abiotic factor to test sign up on the
  board
• Each group needs to test a different factor
• Determine how to measure the factor with a
  LabQuest probes
• You will then be collecting data at 5 different
  sites around campus
• At each site you need to switch equipment with
  another group so you can measure each abiotic
  factor at least once

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The Lab Report

• You will need to include
• A map that describes the sites and shows the
  locations around campus
• Select two abiotic factors to analyze and then
  provide that data for all sites in an accurate
  manner
• Discussion of the results (no errors,
  improvements, or further study needed)
• Think about the assessment statements and what
  you really need to be learning from this activity