Class 9/12

Today in class on 9/12 we turned in our homework from the weekend, the Alien poster and double-bubble map on 4.3 and UP 27. We took notes on 3 different types of succession. We also recorded data from our duckweed lab and learned how to make Climatograms.

One type of succession that we learned about is ECOLOGICAL SUCCESSION. This is a type of succession in which there are predictable changes that occur in a community overtime. This can occur in things like ponds, lakes and forests.

Another type of succession that we learned about is Primary Succession. This type of succession occurs where no soil exists; early plants then prepare soil.

The last type of succession that we learned about was Secondary Succession. This type of succession occurs in areas that have been destroyed, but still contain soil. Some types of destruction may be fires, logging or hurricanes. Some plants have adapted to cycles of fire and regrowth.

Other important things we took notes on were Climax Community and INTERMEDIATE STAGES. Intermediate stages is during the process of succession when there are deep roots that absorb water and minerals. Also, when there is enough growth to make shade which inhibits grass growth and allows some growth of trees. Climax community is when the process of succession has reached a point when there is rich soil and dense forests of maple and beech. This is a stable collection of organisms following succession.

We also learned what a Climatogram is and how to make one. A climatogram is a graph that is used to show the climate of a region. In the specific activity we did, we compared the climate on the with climates from other biomes to determine what makes a prairie a prairie. These graphs show the average precipitation and average temperature. Therefore, since is contains two different types of information there are two Y axes. The axis on the left was labeled for temperature and the axis on the right was labeled for precipitation.

For a brief period of time we took data from out Duckweed Lab. Our homework for tonight is to read 4.2 in the book and complete a reading strategy of our choice. We also have a QUIZ on Thursday September 15, 2011.

The SCRIBE for next class will be Brooklyn C!