Abstract
This is an inquiry laboratory activity for 10th-grade biology which develops fundamental concepts of energy flow through an ecosystem. The investigation, using an aquatic ecosystem as a model, is unique in that there are typically few ecologically-oriented activities in commercial biology programs, and even fewer which develop the principles of a food web and energy pyramid. A reconstituted or fabricated ecosystem in a 10-gallon aquarium, a microscope, slides, a few long pipettes and some live organisms are all that you need. The only assumption for this activity is that the number of organisms is directly related to the biomass (and therefore energy availability) of that species in the ecosystem. Students may discover the notable exception for zooplankton and some phytoplankton; if not, you can point it out at an appropriate time.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
