Enviromental science

In this assignment, you will investigate the biotic and abiotic structure and function of an ecosystem.

Choose one of the following ecosystems:

• Tropical rainforest
• Grassland
• Coral Reef
• Estuary
• Desert

You will write a two to three page APA-style research paper about your choice of ecosystem including:

• Where might this type of ecosystem be located? Give one specific example.
• Describe the structure of the ecosystem: List both the abiotic components and biotic components
• Describe the function of the ecosystem: How do the abiotic and biotic components interact in biogeochemical cycles? Describe both the carbon and nitrogen cycles
• Describe disturbance and recovery: Describe one natural and one human caused disturbance to the ecosystem. Explain the damage to the ecosystem, including how the abiotic and biotic characteristics of the ecosystem changed.
• Explain how ecosystems recover naturally based on resilience mechanisms and the theory of secondary succession.

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Your organization is about to review their energy use and develop an energy plan, including as many renewable power sources as possible. You have been asked to prepare a research paper for management about fossil fuel,

nuclear energy

, and alternative/green power sources.

You will prepare a research paper to discuss the following topics:

1. The law of conservation of energy with an explanation of how this law applies to energy use and energy conversions.

2. The pros and cons of the following:

• fossil fuel: oil, natural gas, and coal

nuclear energy

• Solar energy
• Wind power
• Water (hydro) power
• Bioconversion (biofuel) 

3. Research and discuss two provisions of the Energy Policy Act, 2005, including the possibility of tax incentives.

This is an APA research paper. See APA paper template; make sure that references are listed and cited in APA style.