Exploring Ecosystems

What is an ecosystem?

• A collection of plants in a garden

• An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and their physical environment interacting as a system.

• A type of weather pattern

• A single species of animal in a habitat

Name three types of ecosystems.

• urban, marine, tundra

• volcanic, freshwater, grassland

• terrestrial, aquatic, desert

• savanna, rainforest, mountain

What do producers do in an ecosystem?

• Producers decompose organic matter in the soil.

• Producers consume energy from consumers.

• Producers convert sunlight into energy and provide food for consumers in an ecosystem.

• Producers regulate the population of predators in an ecosystem.

How do consumers differ from producers?

• Consumers create and sell products.

• Consumers differ from producers in that consumers buy and use products, while producers create and sell products.

• Producers buy and use products.

• Consumers produce goods for sale.

What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem?

• Decomposers produce energy for plants.

• Decomposers compete with producers for resources.

• Decomposers recycle nutrients and help maintain ecosystem balance.

• Decomposers are primary consumers in the food chain.

Can you name a food chain in a forest ecosystem?

• Sunlight -> Plants -> Deer -> Wolves

• Sunlight -> Algae -> Fish -> Bears

• Sunlight -> Fungi -> Insects -> Birds

• Sunlight -> Grass -> Rabbits -> Snakes

What is biodiversity and why is it important?

• Biodiversity is the study of animal behavior in captivity.

• Biodiversity is only important for aesthetic purposes.

• Biodiversity refers to the number of species in a single habitat.

• Biodiversity is the variety of life on Earth, and it is important for ecosystem health, resilience, and services.

How do humans impact ecosystems?

• Humans enhance ecosystems by increasing biodiversity.

• Humans have no effect on ecosystems whatsoever.

• Humans only impact ecosystems through conservation efforts.

• Humans impact ecosystems by causing habitat destruction, pollution, and climate change.

What is the water cycle and how does it relate to ecosystems?

• The water cycle is the process of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation that replenishes water in ecosystems.

• The water cycle involves only the movement of water through soil and does not include evaporation or condensation.

• The water cycle is a process that only occurs in oceans and has no impact on land ecosystems.

• The water cycle is only about rainfall and does not affect ecosystems.

Why are wetlands considered important ecosystems?

• Wetlands are only important for recreational activities.

• Wetlands are primarily used for agriculture.

• Wetlands have no impact on climate regulation.

• Wetlands are important ecosystems because they filter water, protect against floods, and support biodiversity.