Natural Sciences - Term 4 - Week 3

An ecosystem is a community of living organisms, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, interacting with their physical environment. These interactions include relationships like predation, competition, and symbiosis. Ecosystems can be as small as a puddle or as large as a forest. Each ecosystem has its own unique characteristics, including climate, soil type, and the types of organisms that live there.

Let's consider a simple example of a pond ecosystem. In this ecosystem, we have various components: the water (abiotic), fish, frogs, and plants (biotic). The fish and frogs rely on the plants for oxygen and food, while the plants depend on sunlight and nutrients from the water. This example illustrates how living and non-living elements work together to create a balanced environment.

In groups, discuss the ecosystems you can find in your local area. Think about parks, gardens, or even your backyard. What plants and animals do you see? How do they interact with each other? After your discussion, each group will share their findings with the class. Use the vocabulary words we have learned, such as 'habitat', 'species', and 'food chain'.

For this mini-project, you will create a model of an ecosystem using materials you can find at home or in the classroom. Choose an ecosystem type (e.g., desert, rainforest, ocean) and include at least three biotic and three abiotic components. Label each part and explain how they interact. Be prepared to present your ecosystem to the class next week.

• A group of animals only
• A community of living organisms interacting with their environment
• A type of plant
• A weather pattern

Answer: A community of living organisms interacting with their environment

An ecosystem includes both living organisms and their physical environment, working together.

• Water
• Soil
• Trees
• Sunlight

Answer: Trees

Biotic components are living things, such as plants and animals, while abiotic components are non-living.

Answer: Water

Abiotic components include non-living elements like water, sunlight, and soil.

• Mutualism
• Commensalism
• Parasitism
• Competition

Answer: Parasitism

In parasitism, one organism benefits at the expense of another.

Answer: A food chain shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

Food chains illustrate the feeding relationships between organisms.

• Desert
• Tundra
• Rainforest
• Grassland

Answer: Rainforest

Rainforests are known for their high biodiversity and significant rainfall.

• They consume other organisms.
• They decompose organic matter.
• They create their own food through photosynthesis.
• They compete for resources.

Answer: They create their own food through photosynthesis.