6-8 Module 3: Systems Thinking and Rangeland Ecosystems
Being able to think in systems , and to understand how ecosystem components relate to each other and contribute to ecosystem function is a very important foundation to understanding our current situation with wild horses and burros. This is particularly true when we begin thinking about management. We then focus on Western Rangeland systems as the location of our wild horse and burro herds. Dive into our submodules below to learn about these things and their relationship to Systems Thinking and Rangeland Systems.
L3M3, SubMod 1: Systems Thinking of All Components
This submodule introduces students to:
Systems Thinking – What is a system?
Scale
Systems Diagrams As a Tool for Systems Thinking
L3M3, SubMod 2: Grassland and Sagebrush Ecosystems
This submodule introduces students to:
Defining Grassland and Sagebrush Ecosystems
What are Rangelands?
Water in Rangelands
Dominant vegetation forms in Western rangelands
L3M3, SubMod 3: Native Western Rangeland Wildlife
This submodule introduces students to:
Wildlife Use of Rangelands
Threatened Species
Herbivores and Predators
Predation and Wild Horses and Burros
Birds of Western Rangelands – A focus on Sagegrouse and Sagebrush System
Wildlife Underground – Prairie Dogs and Ground Squirrels
Insects- Ecosystem Engineers in Arid to Semi-Arid Ecosystems
L3M3, SubMod 4: Weather, Climate and Climate Change
This submodule introduces students to:
Climate of US Western Rangelands
How Survive in Arid to Semi-arid Systems
Weather Events and Their Impacts on Wild Horses and Burros and Other Wildlife
Climate Change and Wild Horses and Burros
L3M3, SubMod 5: Rangeland Grasses and Forbs and the Soil They Grow in
This submodule introduces students to:
Soil Quality and Nutrients
Soil Microbes and Their Role in Ecosystem Health
Soil Structure
Grasses vs. Forbs – Plant Structure and Nutritional Qualities
Shrubs vs. Trees
Annual vs Perennial Species – Leaves, Roots, and Ecosystem Contributions
Important Western Rangeland Forage Species
L3M3, SubMod 6: Invasive Species and Western Rangelands
This submodule introduces students to:
Native vs. Non-Native Species – Why Does It Matter?
Invasive vs. Aggressive Species
Important Non-Native Species in Western Rangelands
Cheatgrass, Halogeton glomeratus, WHB