Life Sciences - Term 2 - Week 6

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment. It includes both biotic factors, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, 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 as a unit, where energy flows and nutrients cycle, supporting life.

Biodiversity refers to the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including the diversity of species, genetic variation, and the variety of ecosystems themselves. High biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience, allowing ecosystems to recover from disturbances and adapt to changes. It also provides essential services, such as pollination, nutrient cycling, and climate regulation, which are vital for human survival.

Consider a forest ecosystem. The producers, such as trees and plants, convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis. Herbivores, like deer, consume these plants, while carnivores, such as wolves, prey on herbivores. Decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil. This example illustrates the interconnected roles of different organisms within an ecosystem.

In groups, students will select a specific ecosystem (e.g., desert, coral reef, grassland) and identify its components. They will categorize organisms as producers, consumers, or decomposers and discuss their roles. Each group will present their findings to the class, highlighting the importance of each component in maintaining ecosystem balance.

Students will individually research a human activity that affects biodiversity, such as deforestation, pollution, or urbanization. They will write a short report discussing how this activity impacts ecosystems and biodiversity, including potential solutions to mitigate these effects. Reports should be 1-2 pages long and include references to at least two sources.

• A group of similar species
• A community of living organisms and their environment
• A type of biome
• A food chain

Answer: A community of living organisms and their environment

An ecosystem encompasses both the living organisms and the physical environment they interact with.

• Deer
• Mushrooms
• Grass
• Wolves

Answer: Grass

Producers are organisms that can make their own food through photosynthesis, such as grass.

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

Answer: They break down dead matter

Decomposers recycle nutrients by breaking down dead organic material, enriching the soil.

Answer: Biodiversity is the variety of life forms within a given ecosystem, including species diversity, genetic diversity, and ecosystem diversity.

Biodiversity encompasses all the different species and genetic variations within ecosystems.

• Increased vulnerability to diseases
• Greater ecosystem stability
• Reduced resource availability
• Higher competition among species

Answer: Greater ecosystem stability

High biodiversity contributes to ecosystem resilience and stability, allowing ecosystems to withstand changes.

Answer: Human activities such as deforestation lead to habitat loss, which reduces species diversity and disrupts ecosystem balance.

Habitat destruction from human activities can result in the extinction of species and loss of biodiversity.