Life Sciences - Term 2 - Week 3

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 water, soil, and climate. Ecosystems can vary in size and complexity, from a small pond to a vast forest. Each component plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance and health of the ecosystem.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem. It is essential for ecosystem resilience, allowing it to recover from disturbances and adapt to changes. High biodiversity contributes to ecosystem services such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation. Loss of biodiversity can lead to ecosystem degradation and reduced capacity to support life.

Consider a forest ecosystem. Trees provide shelter and food for various animals, while animals contribute to seed dispersal and pollination. Decomposers like fungi and bacteria break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. This interdependence illustrates how each component of the ecosystem supports the others, highlighting the importance of maintaining biodiversity.

In groups, students will select a local ecosystem (e.g., a park, river, or garden) and list its biotic and abiotic components. They will discuss how these components interact and the potential impacts of human activities, such as pollution or deforestation, on their chosen ecosystem. Each group will present their findings to the class.

Students will choose a specific ecosystem and research its biodiversity. They will create a presentation that includes the types of organisms present, their roles within the ecosystem, and the current threats to biodiversity in that area. This project will encourage students to explore the importance of conservation efforts.

• A community of living organisms and their environment
• A type of plant
• A method of farming
• A weather pattern

Answer: A community of living organisms and their environment

An ecosystem encompasses both the living organisms and their physical surroundings, highlighting the interactions between them.

• Plants
• Animals
• Soil
• Microorganisms

Answer: Soil

Soil is an abiotic factor, as it is a non-living component of the ecosystem.

Answer: Biodiversity is important for ecosystem stability because it allows ecosystems to recover from disturbances and adapt to changes, ensuring the sustainability of ecosystem services.

High biodiversity contributes to resilience, enabling ecosystems to withstand environmental changes and maintain their functions.

• Conservation efforts
• Pollution
• Natural disasters
• Climate change

Answer: Pollution

Pollution is a significant threat to biodiversity as it can harm organisms and disrupt their habitats.

• An organism that produces its own food
• An organism that consumes other organisms
• An organism that breaks down dead organic matter
• An organism that competes for resources

Answer: An organism that breaks down dead organic matter

Decomposers play a crucial role in recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem by breaking down dead material.

Answer: One way human activities can negatively impact ecosystems is through deforestation, which leads to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity.

Deforestation removes trees that provide shelter and food for many species, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem.