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 (soil, water, air) in a specific area.

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What are producers in an ecosystem?

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Producers are organisms, like plants, that create their own food through photosynthesis and provide energy for consumers.

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What are consumers in an ecosystem?

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Consumers are organisms that eat other organisms (plants or animals) to obtain energy.

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What is a decomposer?

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Decomposers are organisms, like fungi and bacteria, that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.

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What is a food chain?

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A food chain is a linear sequence that shows how energy and nutrients flow from one organism to another in an ecosystem.

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What is a food web?

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A food web is a complex network of interconnected food chains in an ecosystem, showing how different organisms are related through feeding relationships.

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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.

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What is the role of moisture in an ecosystem?

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Moisture is essential for many decomposers to thrive, as it helps break down organic material and recycle nutrients.

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What are tides?

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Tides are the regular rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravitational forces of the moon and sun, affecting coastal ecosystems.

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What happens if a population of consumers decreases?

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If a population of consumers decreases, it can lead to an increase in the population of their food source (producers) and a decrease in the population of their predators.

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