Ecosystem Basics
What are examples of aquatic ecosystems?
Ocean, lake, pond, river, stream, estuary, salt marsh.
Define biotic factors in an ecosystem
Living factors such as plants, animals, and other organisms.
What is one characteristic of a grassland ecosystem?
Dominated by grasses with few trees.
What is an estuary?
A coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets saltwater from the ocean.
Why is food important for survival in an ecosystem?
It provides energy and nutrients necessary for growth and reproduction.
What are examples of terrestrial ecosystems?
Grassland, desert, forest.
Define abiotic factors in an ecosystem
Nonliving factors such as temperature, sunlight, water, soil, and ocean currents.
Name a plant commonly found in a forest ecosystem.
Pine trees or oak trees.
Name one characteristic of a salt marsh.
It is a wetland that is flooded with saltwater, often found near estuaries.
How does water availability affect populations in an ecosystem?
Organisms need water to survive; lack of it can limit population sizes.
What are the biotic factors found in a grassland ecosystem?
Grasses, small shrubs, insects, arthropods, birds, bison, prairie dogs
Give an example of an abiotic factor in a forest ecosystem.
Soil type, temperature, or sunlight.
How do organisms in a desert ecosystem adapt to their environment?
By conserving water and being active at cooler times of the day.
How do lakes differ from oceans?
Lakes are smaller and have less salt than oceans.
What role does shelter play in an ecosystem?
It provides protection from predators and harsh environmental conditions.
How do temperature and the amount of sunlight influence which organisms can survive in a certain environment?
Organisms must be able to survive within the temperature range and the amount of sunlight available.
How do biotic and abiotic factors interact in an ecosystem?
Biotic factors depend on abiotic factors for survival (e.g., plants need sunlight and water).
What type of animals might you find in a grassland ecosystem?
Bison, prairie dogs, and various bird species.
What types of fish are commonly found in rivers?
Salmon, trout, or catfish.
How do organisms adapt to find food in their ecosystems?
They develop specific behaviors and physical traits to access food sources.
What factors help living things survive in an ecosystem?
Food, water, shelter.
Compare the biotic and abiotic factors in a pond and a forest.
A pond has aquatic plants and fish (biotic) and water and temperature (abiotic), while a forest has trees and birds (biotic) and soil and sunlight (abiotic).
Explain how a forest ecosystem supports diverse populations.
It provides various habitats, food sources, and shelter for many species.
Describe how ocean currents can affect aquatic life.
They can influence temperature, nutrient distribution, and migration patterns of marine species.
Discuss how all survival factors are interconnected in an ecosystem.
Food, water, and shelter work together to support populations; lack of one can affect the others.