Activity 2.3 – Biosphere and Interconnections

Concept Map #1

This concept map consists of energy and how to measure energy, how energy can be transformed, and how energy within an ecosystem is distributed. 

Concept Map #2

This concept map describes the values of Biodiversity and what those values do that are important for humans to preserve. 

Concept Map #3

This concept map covers what Biomes are based on and how it is related to Ecozones.

After reading chapters 4, 7, and 8 of "Environmental Science: a Canadian perspective" by Bill Freedman,  I was able to create concept maps that showed my understanding of the chapters. I also used a website called "Bubblus" which guided me on how to start my concept map. 

The first concept map covers the topic of energy in different forms that can be transformed from chapter 4. Units, Transformed, and Ecosystems represent the different forms that energy undergoes. Energy is measured in units that are presented on the concept map. Energy can be transformed into different states where the energy in the universe stays constant or can be transformed randomly. Ecosystems also consist of different organisms that get their energy from either themselves, the sun, or by eating other organisms. These are related to each other because you need those units of energy to be able to understand the Laws of Thermodynamics. 

The second concept map discussed the values of Biodiversity in chapter 7 and why it is important to be preserved. Some values include utilitarian values where humans have taken advantage of their power to use species and ecosystems for energy and food. Biodiversity is also important because it gives us ecological services that we depend on. This concept map includes the kingdoms of Earth’s species that were divided into certain groups based on their relationships and similarities. The kingdoms are connected to species because the characteristics of those species that are similar helped create the different kingdoms.

The third concept map deals with Biomes from chapter 8. The major biomes were created to separate the different categories of dominant organisms and what environment they need to live in. The different characteristics of the dominant organisms also create ecozones which are defined by the landscapes, climate, and species.

References 

Freedman, Bill. “Environmental Science: A Canadian Perspective.” DalSpace Home, 1 Jan. 1970, https://dalspace.library.dal.ca/handle/10222/74278. 

LLC, LKCollab. “Create Mind Maps: Collaborate and Present Ideas.” Bubbl.us - Create Mind Maps | Collaborate and Present Ideas, https://bubbl.us/%C2%A0.