Ecosystems
What do we call a community of living things and the place where they live?
An ecosystem
What is an aquatic ecosystem?
An ecosystem in water
Is a river considered flowing water or still water?
Flowing water
Which saltwater area is shallow and receives lots of sunlight?
The coast
Name one factor that affects terrestrial ecosystems.
Temperature, humidity, relief, or soil
About what percentage of Earth's surface is covered by aquatic
ecosystems (water)?
about 70%
What makes an ecosystem "freshwater" (one-word answer from the book)
It has very little salt
Give one example of a still-water freshwater ecosystem.
Give one example of a still-water freshwater ecosystem.
Where do multicellular algae attach?
The coast (on the seabed)
Which factor mainly depends on the amount of rain?
Humidity
Name two main categories of ecosystems based on where they are
found (land or water).
Terrestrial (land) and aquatic (water)
Why can't we drink seawater without treating it? (mention the main
reason)
It has a lot of salt, which causes dehydration and may contain harmful substances
How does the speed of the water change from the source of a river to its mouth?
Fast at the source and slower toward the mouth
Why do divers sometimes use torches in deep water?
Sunlight decreases with depth, so deep water is dark
Why is there less vegetation where the relief is very steep?
Plants struggle to take root and survive
Give one reason ecosystems are important for people (hint: think of
food, water, or enjoyment).
Provides food, raw materials, energy, clean water, or enjoyment
List two threats to aquatic ecosystems mentioned in the book.
Water pollution, overfishing, plastic waste, or global warming
Name one use of freshwater for people.
Drinking water or irrigation
Explain one difference between coastal areas and the open sea.
Coastal areas are shallow with sunlight reaching the seabed (more life); open sea is deep with less sunlight reaching the bottom
Explain how soil affects plant growth
Soil provides water and minerals; fertile soil supports more growth