Natural Sciences - Term 3 - Week 5

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, interacting with their physical environment. This includes both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components. For example, a forest ecosystem includes trees, animals, soil, water, and sunlight. Each part plays a role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Let's look at a few examples of ecosystems. A desert ecosystem is characterized by dry conditions, cacti, and animals like lizards and snakes. In contrast, a freshwater ecosystem, such as a pond, contains water plants, fish, frogs, and insects. Discussing these examples helps us understand how different environments support various life forms.

As a class, we will create a vocabulary list related to ecosystems. Words like 'habitat', 'food chain', 'biodiversity', and 'pollination' will be discussed. Each student will choose one word, look up its meaning, and prepare to explain it to the class. This will help reinforce our understanding of ecosystems and their components.

Students will create a mini-project where they design their own ecosystem using a shoebox. They will include drawings or models of plants and animals that would live in their ecosystem, along with descriptions of how these organisms interact. This project will allow students to apply what they have learned and demonstrate their understanding of ecosystems.

• Biotic and abiotic
• Living and non-living
• Plants and animals
• Water and soil

Answer: Biotic and abiotic

Ecosystems consist of biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components.

• Desert
• Ocean
• Pond
• Forest

Answer: Pond

A pond is a type of freshwater ecosystem, while the others are not.

Answer: A habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives.

Habitats provide the necessary conditions for organisms to survive.

• Consumers
• Decomposers
• Producers
• Predators

Answer: Producers

Plants are producers because they create their own food through photosynthesis.

Answer: Pollution

Pollution can harm living organisms and disrupt the balance of an ecosystem.

• Trees
• Animals
• Water
• Bacteria

Answer: Water

Water is an abiotic factor, while the others are living organisms.

• The variety of life in an ecosystem
• The number of plants in a forest
• The amount of water in a pond
• The size of an animal population

Answer: The variety of life in an ecosystem

Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species living in an ecosystem.