Life Sciences - Term 2 - Week 4

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. It includes biotic factors, such as plants and animals, and abiotic factors, like water, soil, and climate. Ecosystems can vary in size and complexity, from a small pond to a vast forest. The interactions within an ecosystem are crucial for the survival of its inhabitants, as they rely on each other for food, shelter, and other resources.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It includes the diversity of species, genetic diversity, and the variety of ecosystems. Biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience, allowing ecosystems to adapt to changes and disturbances. A rich biodiversity contributes to ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation, which are vital for human survival.

Consider a forest ecosystem. The biotic components include trees, shrubs, birds, insects, and mammals. The abiotic components consist of sunlight, soil, water, and air. Each component plays a role; for example, trees provide oxygen and habitat, while soil supports plant growth. Understanding these components helps us appreciate how energy flows and nutrients cycle within the ecosystem.

In pairs, students will select a local ecosystem (e.g., a park, river, or garden) and list its biotic and abiotic components. They will then discuss how these components interact. For example, how do plants (biotic) rely on sunlight and water (abiotic) to grow? After 15 minutes, each pair will present their findings to the class, highlighting the interdependence of the components.

Students will choose an endangered species and research its role in its ecosystem. They will write a short report detailing the species' habitat, diet, and the threats it faces due to human activities. Additionally, students will propose conservation strategies to protect the species and its habitat. This project will help students understand the importance of biodiversity and the impact of human actions on ecosystems.

• A group of similar species
• A community of living organisms and their environment
• A type of climate
• A collection of abiotic factors

Answer: A community of living organisms and their environment

An ecosystem includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components interacting with each other.

• Species diversity
• Genetic diversity
• Ecosystem diversity
• Climate diversity

Answer: Climate diversity

Biodiversity refers specifically to the variety of life forms, not climate variations.

Answer: Biodiversity is important because it enhances ecosystem resilience, supports ecosystem services, and ensures stability and productivity.

A diverse ecosystem can better withstand environmental changes and provides essential services like pollination and nutrient cycling.

• Water
• Soil
• Plants
• Sunlight

Answer: Plants

Biotic factors are living components of an ecosystem, while abiotic factors are non-living.

• They consume other organisms.
• They decompose organic matter.
• They produce energy through photosynthesis.
• They compete for resources.

Answer: They produce energy through photosynthesis.

Producers, like plants, convert sunlight into energy, forming the base of the food chain.

Answer: Deforestation and pollution.

Both activities lead to habitat destruction and degradation, which can endanger species and reduce biodiversity.