GEOLOGY FIELD DAY!

Hi All,

Today is the day that we go to Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve. We will discover lots of amazing evidence of past eruptive processes, and see all of the three main types of rocks in the area of exploration.

Remember, that beyond today's field trip, we have our quiz on ECOLOGY AND LIVING SYSTEMS this Thursday! I have embedded the text from the review sheet below.


Ecology and Living Systems Quiz

This is the review sheet for the upcoming quiz on Thursday, December 16, 2010. Please be able to express your understanding of how the various terms and concepts contribute to the food web and/or composting systems.

Define “ecology”

Food webs
Sun
Producers
Consumers
Herbivores
Carnivores
Omnivores
Decomposers
Energy flow

Composting
Decomposers (workers):
Fungi
Bacteria
Insects
Worms

Managing the pile for the decomposers:
Chop materials to increase surface area
Mix browns and greens
Maintain moisture as damp as a wrung out sponge
Maintain airflow

Benefits of compost:
Adds to fertility in the soil
Grows healthy plants
Can be used as a mulch to save water
Reduces the amount being sent to the landfill
Reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Reduces trash hauling bills