Ecosystems

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What is an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, and microorganisms) interacting with their physical environment (air, water, soil) in a specific area.

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What is a producer in an ecosystem?

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A producer is an organism that can make its own food using sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide, typically through photosynthesis. Examples include plants like trees and algae.

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What is a consumer in an ecosystem?

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A consumer is an organism that cannot make its own food and must eat other organisms (plants or animals) to obtain energy. Examples include animals like foxes and rabbits.

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What is a food chain?

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A food chain is a sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem, starting from producers to various levels of consumers.

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What is an estuary?

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An estuary is a coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean, creating a unique ecosystem.

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What happens if a key species in a food chain is removed?

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If a key species is removed, it can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem, leading to overpopulation or extinction of other species.

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What is the role of decomposers in an ecosystem?

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Decomposers are organisms that break down dead plants and animals, returning nutrients to the soil and helping to recycle matter in the ecosystem.

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What is biodiversity?

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Biodiversity refers to the variety of different species of plants, animals, and microorganisms in a particular ecosystem, which contributes to its resilience and health.

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What is a habitat?

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A habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives, providing the necessary resources for survival, such as food, water, and shelter.

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What is a predator?

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A predator is an animal that hunts and eats other animals (prey) for food. Examples include lions, hawks, and sharks.