Life Sciences - Term 2 - Week 8

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. It includes biotic factors, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, as well as abiotic factors like soil, water, 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 maintaining balance and supporting life.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variations, and the ecosystems themselves. High biodiversity is essential for ecosystem resilience, allowing it to recover from disturbances and adapt to changes. It also provides resources for food, medicine, and ecosystem services.

Consider a forest ecosystem. It includes trees (producers), herbivores like deer (primary consumers), and carnivores like wolves (secondary consumers). Decomposers, such as fungi and bacteria, play a vital role in breaking down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. This example illustrates the flow of energy and matter through different trophic levels.

In groups, students will select an ecosystem (e.g., desert, ocean, grassland) and list its biotic and abiotic components. They will then discuss how these components interact. For instance, in a coral reef, fish rely on coral for habitat, while coral depends on the fish for nutrient cycling. Each group will present their findings to the class.

Students will choose a local ecosystem and research its biodiversity. They will create a presentation that includes the types of species found, their roles in the ecosystem, and any threats to their survival. This project will help students understand the importance of protecting biodiversity and the actions they can take to contribute to conservation efforts.

• A community of living organisms and their environment
• A type of plant
• A single species of animal
• A climate zone

Answer: A community of living organisms and their environment

An ecosystem includes both the living organisms and their physical environment, interacting as a system.

• Water
• Soil
• Plants
• Sunlight

Answer: Plants

Biotic factors are the living components of an ecosystem, such as plants and animals.

Answer: Biodiversity is the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

Biodiversity includes the diversity of species, genetic variations, and ecosystems.

• It increases competition among species
• It helps ecosystems recover from disturbances
• It reduces the number of species
• It limits food sources

Answer: It helps ecosystems recover from disturbances

High biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, allowing it to adapt and recover from changes.

Answer: Deforestation

Deforestation destroys habitats, leading to loss of species and reduced biodiversity.

• They produce energy
• They consume plants
• They break down dead matter
• They compete with herbivores

Answer: They break down dead matter

Decomposers recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem by breaking down dead organic material.

• Producers
• Consumers
• Decomposers