Biology Grade 5 and 6: Ecosystems

What is an ecosystem?

• A type of animal migration

• A type of weather pattern

• A community of living organisms and their interactions with the non-living components in their environment.

• A type of rock formation

Name three components of an ecosystem.

• Plants, animals, rocks

• Water, air, soil

• Sunlight, temperature, precipitation

• Living organisms, physical environment, interactions

Explain the difference between a food chain and a food web.

• A food chain shows a linear sequence of energy and nutrients, while a food web shows interconnected feeding relationships.

• A food web is a straight line of energy and nutrients

• A food chain and a food web are the same thing

• A food chain is more complex than a food web

What is a producer in an ecosystem?

• An organism that produces its own food through photosynthesis or chemosynthesis

• An organism that feeds on other organisms

• A type of consumer that only eats plants

• A type of decomposer that breaks down dead organic matter

What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• To break down dead organisms and waste, returning nutrients to the soil for plants to use.

• To hunt and consume other organisms for energy

• To regulate the temperature of the ecosystem

• To provide shelter for other organisms in the ecosystem

Describe the process of photosynthesis and its importance in an ecosystem.

• Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants and some other organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of chlorophyll. It is important in an ecosystem as it produces oxygen, which is essential for the survival of all living organisms, and it also provides food for the organisms in the ecosystem.

• Photosynthesis is the process of producing nitrogen, which is essential for the survival of all living organisms in an ecosystem.

• Photosynthesis is the process of animals consuming plants for energy in an ecosystem.

• Photosynthesis is the process of converting oxygen into carbon dioxide, which is harmful to the ecosystem.

What are the different types of ecosystems?

• Terrestrial, aquatic, desert, forest, grassland, tundra, freshwater, marine, etc.

• Planets, stars, galaxies

• Mountains, valleys, canyons

• City, town, village

Explain the concept of a balanced ecosystem.

• An ecosystem where non-living elements like water and air have no impact on the living organisms

• All living organisms, plants, and animals, as well as non-living elements like water, air, and soil, exist in harmony and support each other's existence.

• An ecosystem where plants and animals are in constant competition for resources

• An ecosystem with only one type of living organism

How do human activities impact ecosystems?

• Human activities can impact ecosystems through deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

• Overfishing and deforestation actually benefit ecosystems

• Ecosystems are not affected by pollution or habitat destruction

• Human activities have no impact on ecosystems

Discuss the importance of biodiversity in an ecosystem.

• Biodiversity has no impact on the ecosystem

• Ecosystems function better with less diversity

• Biodiversity only benefits a few species in the ecosystem

• Biodiversity helps in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem and provides various ecological services.