Ecosystems

Front

What is an ecosystem?

Back

An ecosystem is a small, special environment that includes all the living and nonliving things in a certain area, such as soil, water, plants, and animals.

Front

What maintains the balance in an ecosystem?

Back

The living and nonliving things in an ecosystem support each other to maintain a biological balance.

Front

What can happen if one thing changes in an ecosystem?

Back

If one thing changes in an ecosystem, it can change the entire system.

Front

Name the six major kinds of ecosystems.

Back

Croplands, forests, coasts and oceans, urban and suburban areas, arid and range areas, and freshwater areas.

Front

Who was Ed Ricketts?

Back

Ed Ricketts was one of the first people to study the ocean's ecosystem.

Front

What is pollution?

Back

Pollution is unclean matter, such as chemicals, radioactive wastes, or poisons, that can damage an ecosystem.

Front

What is acid rain?

Back

Acid rain is rainwater that mixes with pollution in the air, damaging both plant and animal life.

Front

How can humans damage ecosystems?

Back

Humans can damage ecosystems by overcutting trees, overmining minerals, and overhunting animals.

Front

What happens to plants and animals without their ecosystems?

Back

Without their ecosystems, plants and animals can become endangered or extinct.

Front

What is conservation?

Back

Conservation is the protection and careful use of natural resources to keep the air, water, and soil as clean as possible.