TYPES OF INTERACTIONS
What type of interaction is it when both organisms benefit?
What is mutualism?
A hawk catches and eats a mouse. What interaction is this?
What is Predation?
What is biodiversity?
The variety of different living organisms in an ecosystem
Cutting down forests for buildings is an example of what type of human impact?
Habitat destruction
What is an ecosystem service? Give an example.
A benefit organisms get from ecosystems (like clean water or air)
A tick feeds on a dog’s blood and harms the dog. What is this interaction?
What is parisitism?
In Montgomery, bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar. What type of interaction is this?
What is mutualism?
Which ecosystem has MORE biodiversity?
A. A forest with many plants and animals
B. A neigborhood with people, plants, and pets.
A forest with many plants and animals
Planting trees and restoring habitats helps to do what?
Increase biodiversity
Wetlands help clean and filter water naturally. What ecosystem service is this?
Water purification
In a schoolyard, two birds fight over the same worm. What interaction is happening?
What is competition?
Moss grows on a tree in a local park without harming it. What interaction is this?
What is commensalism?
Why is biodiversity important for ecosystems?
It helps ecosystems stay stable, healthy, and able to recover from changes
Which action BEST protects biodiversity?
A. Polluting rivers
B. Protecting wildlife habitats
C. Overhunting animals
D. Cutting down forests
B. Protecting wildlife habitats
Why is soil important for ecosystems?
It supports plant growth and helps recycle nutrients
A bird builds a nest in a tree. The bird benefits, but the tree is not affected. What is this relationship?
What is Commensalism?
Two deer compete for the same food in a forest. What would MOST likely happen over time?
A. Both deer get unlimited food
B. One or both deer struggle to survive
C. The plants disappear immediately
D. The deer form a mutualistic relationship
B. One or both deer struggle to survive
A disease wipes out one species in an ecosystem. Predict how this might affect biodiversity.
Biodiversity would decrease and may disrupt the ecosystem
Farmers use too many pesticides near a school. Predict one negative effect on the ecosystem.
It may kill beneficial insects and reduce biodiversity
Which decision BEST balances economic and environmental needs?
A. Destroying habitats for quick profit
B. Building while protecting green spaces
C. Ignoring pollution
D. Removing all wildlife
B. Building while protecting green spaces
Explain how predation and competition are similar AND different.
In an urban ecosystem near your school, stray cats reduce the number of birds. Predict how this might affect insects in the area.
Bird population decreases → fewer predators of insects → insect population likely increases
Explain how high biodiversity helps an ecosystem survive natural disasters like floods or droughts.
More species = more chances that some organisms survive and keep the ecosystem functioning
Design one realistic solution your school or community could use to protect biodiversity. Explain how it helps.
Answers will vary.
Example: Plant a school garden → provides habitat, supports pollinators, increases biodiversity
Your city wants to build a new playground on land with many plants and animals. What factors should be considered before making this decision?
Answers will vary, but should include: