Ecosystem Basics
What is an ecosystem?
A system where living and nonliving things interact with the environment.
What is the first organism on the food chain?
A producer (plant or algae)
Is a cactus biotic or abiotic?
Biotic because it is a living organism
What happens if humans cut down too many trees?
Animals lose their habitat, and there is less oxygen in the air.
This animal can go weeks without drinking water and has a hump on its back.
A camel
Name one biotic and one abiotic factor in a desert.
Biotic: cactus
Abiotic: sand or sunlight
What do arrows in a food chain represent?
The flow of energy from one organism to another
Is sunlight biotic or abiotic?
Abiotic because it is not a living thing
What is one negative effect of pollution in oceans?
It harms marine animals and plants.
This small insect is a major decomposer and makes its houses underneath the ground.
An ant
What do we call an organism that makes its own food?
A producer
What is a primary consumer?
An herbivore that eats producers
Are bacteria biotic or abiotic?
Biotic because they are living organisms
What is one thing that humans can do to help ecosystems?
Plant trees, recycle, reduce pollution, protect wildlife
Which desert plant can live for over 150 years?
A saguaro cactus
What two things do plants need for photosynthesis?
Sunlight and carbon dioxide
In a desert food chain, which animal might be a secondary consumer?
A snake because it east primary consumers like mice or lizards
Is oxygen a biotic or abiotic factor?
Abiotic because oxygen is a nonliving factor
What happens to an ecosystem if an invasive species is introduced?
It can take over and harm native species.
What is the largest ecosystem on earth?
The ocean
What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?
They break down dead plants and animals and return nutrients to the soil.
Give an example of a food web with at least three organisms
Grass->Rabbit->Fox
Are mushrooms biotic abiotic?
Biotic because mushrooms are living things
What is climate change doing to ecosystems?
It is changing temperatures and weather, making it harder for some animals to survive.
What is an onmivore?
An animal that eats both plants and animals
A bear