Life Sciences - Term 3 - Week 2

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. It includes both biotic factors, such as plants and animals, and abiotic factors, such as water, soil, and climate. Ecosystems can vary in size and complexity, from a small pond to a vast forest. Each ecosystem functions through the flow of energy and the cycling of nutrients, which are essential for sustaining life.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It encompasses the diversity of species, genetic variations within those species, and the variety of ecosystems themselves. High biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, allowing ecosystems to adapt to changes and disturbances. It also provides humans with resources such as food, medicine, and ecosystem services.

Consider a forest ecosystem. It includes trees (producers), herbivores like deer (primary consumers), carnivores like wolves (secondary consumers), and decomposers like fungi. Each component plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. For example, trees provide oxygen and habitat, while decomposers recycle nutrients back into the soil.

Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and urbanization significantly impact ecosystems. For instance, deforestation leads to habitat loss, which can decrease biodiversity. Pollution can harm aquatic ecosystems, affecting species survival. Understanding these impacts is essential for developing conservation strategies to protect ecosystems and biodiversity.

In pairs, students will select a local ecosystem (e.g., a park, river, or garden) and list its biotic and abiotic components. They should consider plants, animals, microorganisms, soil types, water sources, and climate. After 15 minutes, groups will share their findings with the class, discussing how each component interacts within the ecosystem.

Students will choose an endangered species and research its habitat, role in the ecosystem, and the threats it faces. They will create a poster presentation that includes images, facts, and conservation strategies. This project will help students understand the importance of biodiversity and the need for conservation efforts.

• A community of living organisms and their environment
• A type of plant
• A method of farming
• A climate zone

Answer: A community of living organisms and their environment

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

• Soil
• Water
• Plants
• Sunlight

Answer: Plants

Biotic factors are 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 provides resources and ecosystem services.
• It makes ecosystems less resilient.
• It reduces the number of species.

Answer: It provides resources and ecosystem services.

Biodiversity supports ecosystem functions that are vital for human survival and well-being.

Answer: Deforestation.

Deforestation leads to habitat loss and decreases biodiversity.

• They produce energy.
• They consume plants.
• They recycle nutrients.
• They compete with herbivores.

Answer: They recycle nutrients.

Decomposers break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.

• Producers
• Consumers
• Decomposers
• Weather patterns

Answer: Weather patterns