My Response

              Overall, I enjoyed doing this project with my plot and I learned many things about it. First of all, I learned about all of the different kinds of fungi my plot had. My plot is in the far back of my backyard, and I have been back there before, but I never saw some of the amazing types of fungi I found while tramping around doing plot assignments. The species ranged from small, white shelf fungi to large, brown bracket fungi. Another thing I learned was how many different organisms dwell in my plot. I found many different species of the typical omnivores and herbivores, but I was introduced to detritivores through science class and found many decomposers, too. A third thing I learned was how easily my plot can become trashed up. It's a pretty secluded area, so I was surprised at how much trash had gotten there. This reminds me not to litter because of its uncleanliness not only to the environment but also to the eye. I also learned how many of the trees on my plot change brilliant colors of red orange, and yellow. I knew that they changed, but I was surprised at how the colors were so vivid. Lastly, I learned about how all of the organisms living there are related in terms of being in a general food web. I found out how energy flows from the sun all the way to a fox or deer living on my plot, and how this system is a constant cycle happening all the time. This knowledge I've learned has caused me to be more aware of God's creation around me and increases my concern for the earth's well-being, especially the things that I personally am doing to harm my plot and places similar to it even though it may not be directly. This project will also cause me to go outside more and observe nature more carefully.