Ecosystems & Sustainability
What is an ecosystem?
A system of living and non-living things that work together in an environment
What is a food chain?
A diagram that shows who eats who in an ecosystem
What is an ecological footprint?
The amount of land and water we need to support our lifestyle
What is an endangered species?
A species that could disappear forever
What is biomass?
The total mass of living things in an area
What does sustainability mean?
Meeting our needs without hurting the environment for future generations
What is a producer in a food chain?
A plant that makes its own food from sunlight
Name one way to lower your carbon footprint.
Use less electricity, walk or bike, eat less meat
Name one reason animals become endangered.
Habitat loss, hunting, or pollution
Where does all the energy in a food chain come from?
The sun
What is one way to make a community more sustainable?
Use renewable energy, recycle, or reduce waste
What is a consumer in a food chain?
An animal that eats other organisms
What does climate change mean?
Long-term changes in Earth’s temperature and weather
What is an invasive species?
A species that moves into a new place and harms the ecosystem
What happens to energy as it moves up a food chain?
Some energy is lost at each level
Why is it important to protect ecosystems?
Because healthy ecosystems give us clean air, water, food, and support life
Why do food chains usually have only 3–5 levels?
Because energy is lost at each level, so there’s not enough left at the top
How do humans affect ecosystems?
Pollution, deforestation, overfishing, and causing climate change
Why is biodiversity important in an ecosystem?
It helps keep the ecosystem strong and balanced
Why are there fewer animals at the top of a food chain?
Because there is less energy left for them