Ecosystem 101
Define ecosystem.
A community of living organisms and their non-living environment interacting together.
Is water abiotic?
Yes, it is non-living.
What is a producer?
An organism that makes its own food using sunlight (like plants).
What is pollution?
Harmful substances introduced into the environment.
What is biodiversity?
The variety of life in an ecosystem.
Name 3 components of an ecosystem.
Organisms, sunlight, water (biotic + abiotic).
Give 2 biotic and 2 abiotic examples.
Biotic: fish, algae. Abiotic: rocks, sunlight.
What is a primary consumer?
An organism that eats producers (e.g., herbivore).
What is deforestation?
The clearing of forests, often by humans.
Why is biodiversity important?
It supports ecosystem stability and resilience.
What makes an ecosystem stable?
Balanced interactions, energy flow, and biodiversity.
Is bacteria biotic or abiotic?
Biotic—it is a living microorganism.
What role do decomposers play?
They break down dead organisms and recycle nutrients.
What causes eutrophication?
Fertilizer runoff causes algae blooms that deplete oxygen.
How do food webs support survival?
They provide multiple food sources and balance predator-prey relationships.
What’s the difference between a population and a community?
Population = same species; Community = different species living together.
Name 3 abiotic factors in marine ecosystems.
Salinity, temperature, water pressure.
What happens if a top predator is removed?
Prey populations increase, which can disrupt the whole food web.
How does climate change impact ecosystems?
It alters weather patterns, habitats, and survival rates.
How do humans help restore ecosystems?
Reforestation, pollution cleanup, conservation laws.
Explain “interdependence” in an ecosystem.
All organisms rely on each other and the environment to survive.
How do abiotic factors like pH and sunlight affect ecosystems?
They influence species survival, growth, and behavior.
Create a food chain with 4 organisms (local species).
Grass → Grasshopper → Frog → Snake.
How can invasive species disrupt ecosystems?
They outcompete native species, reducing biodiversity.
What can schools do to promote ecosystem sustainability?
Plant trees, reduce plastic use, create gardens, educate others.