Life Sciences - Term 3 - Week 6

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 has its own unique characteristics and supports a variety of life forms.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life found in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It includes the diversity of species, genetic diversity within species, and the variety of ecosystems themselves. High biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem resilience, providing stability and the ability to recover from disturbances. It also contributes to ecosystem services that benefit humans, such as clean air, water, and food.

Consider a forest ecosystem. It consists of various trees, shrubs, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Each organism plays a specific role, such as producers (plants), consumers (animals), and decomposers (fungi and bacteria). Now, compare this to a desert ecosystem, which has adapted species like cacti and camels. Both ecosystems demonstrate how different environmental conditions shape the organisms that inhabit them.

In pairs, students will choose an ecosystem (e.g., ocean, rainforest, tundra) and identify at least three organisms within it. They will discuss how these organisms interact with each other and their environment. For example, in a coral reef, fish rely on coral for shelter while corals depend on fish for nutrient cycling. Each pair will present their findings to the class.

Students will select a local ecosystem and conduct research on its biodiversity. They should identify key species, their roles, and any threats to this ecosystem. Students will create a poster or digital presentation to share their findings, emphasizing the importance of conserving biodiversity in their chosen ecosystem.

• A group of similar species
• A community of living organisms and their environment
• A type of biodiversity
• A method of conservation

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 encompasses the diversity of species, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

• It increases competition among species.
• It enhances ecosystem resilience.
• It reduces the number of species.
• It has no significant impact.

Answer: It enhances ecosystem resilience.

High biodiversity contributes to the stability and resilience of ecosystems, allowing them to recover from disturbances.

• Tundra
• Desert
• Rainforest
• Grassland

Answer: Desert

Deserts are known for their low rainfall and extreme temperature variations.

Answer: Deforestation.

Deforestation leads to habitat loss, reducing biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems.

• They produce energy.
• They consume plants.
• They break down dead organic matter.
• They compete with producers.