Ecosystems
What is an ecosystem?
A community of living and nonliving things interacting together.
What organism makes its own food?
Producers
Are plants biotic or Abiotic?
Biotic
What gas makes up most of Earth’s atmosphere?
Nitrogen
What is pollution?
Harmful substances entering the environment.
Name two parts of Ecosystem.
Biotic and Abiotic factors
Give an example of a consumer.
Rabbit, deer, hawk, human (any consumer)
Is sunlight biotic or abiotic?
Abiotic
What organisms help fix nitrogen?
Nitrogen Fixing bacteria
How can deforestation affect ecosystems?
Habitat loss and reduced biodiversity.
What does a habitat provide for an organism?
Food, water, shelter, and space.
What is the difference between a food chain and food web?
Food chain shows one path; food web shows many paths.
Name 3 abiotic factors.
Water, sunlight, temperature, soil, air.
What is nitrogen fixation?
Process where bacteria change nitrogen gas into usable forms for plants.
What happens when too much fertilizer enters water?
Algal blooms and oxygen depletion
What is biodiversity?
Variety of living organisms in an ecosystem
What role do decomposers play?
Break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.
Why are abiotic factors important?
They affect survival of organisms.
Why do plants need nitrogen?
To make proteins and grow
Name one way humans help ecosystems
Recycling, conservation, planting trees.
Why are healthy ecosystems important?
They support life and maintain balance.
If grass disappears, what happens to herbivores?
Population decreases because food is limited.
Classify: Bacteria - Biotic or abiotic
biotic
Name the basic order of the nitrogen cycle.
Nitrogen fixation → nitrification → assimilation → ammonification → denitrification.
Why is protecting ecosystems important for humans?
Provides food, clean water, oxygen, and resources.