Ecosystems

The picture above shows animals and plants living in an ocean. This part of the ocean is not deep. There are a variety of organisms that live here. How does the environment support animals and plants that live in the shallow parts of the ocean?

• It's dark and cold, and not much food.

• It is freshwater, so freshwater plants and animals live there.

• In the shallow water, there is a lot of sunlight. This makes it warmer and you find more food here.

• There are lots of trees and shrubs for shade.

The picture above shows a swamp. Do you see how the trees get larger and wider at the bottom? What is the reason these trees can live here?

• A swamp is a very dry habitat.

• A swamp is very wet and the tree's trunk spreads out to hold the tree up.

• This type of tree grows in saltwater.

• All of the above.

The picture above shows the habitat of a Tropical Rainforest. In this habitat there are many plants and animals with very bright colors. How do the bright colors of the plants and flowers affect the animals in this environment?

• The plants have many different colors. The animals can blend in with the plants to survive.

• The plants give them something nice to look at.

• The plants have no effect on the animals.

• The plants give the animals a nice place to live.

This is a picture of a grassland. Grasslands receive a good amount of rainfall. Animals that live here include bison, prairie dogs, and grasshoppers. Why might the grasslands be a good home for these animals?

• These animals can survive anywhere.

• The grasslands have rich soil and tall grasses. The grass provides food and shelter for these animals.

• Animals help the grass stay green by eating it.

• It has lots of tall trees to provide shade for the hot temperatures.

Above is a picture of a salt marsh or an estuary. Animals such as crabs, shrimp, and birds live in these areas. Why are these animals able to live here?

• The water is only salty.

• These animals can live anywhere, no matter what the water is like.

• The water is only freshwater.

• The water is a mixture of saltwater and fresh

This is a picture from the polar regions where there are not many different types of plants. Animals such as polar bears, seals, and penguins live in this habitat. How can these animals live in this habitat?

• It has very warm temperatures and these animals need this to survive.

• These animals can live in any habitat.

• Since there are so many types of plants, these animals have lots to eat.

• Animals here have thick fur and blubber for insulation to keep them warm in cold places.

Which of the following water systems have fresh water?

• Ocean

• Pond

• River

• Estuary

Which of the following water systems are salt water?

• River

• Pond

• Ocean

• Lake

Which ecosystem has areas of land that receive moderate rainfall, tall grasses, and home to bison, prairie dogs, and grasshoppers.

• Polar Lands

• Grasslands

• Rainforests

• Desert

This ecosystem experiences 24 hour periods of total darkness during winter months and is covered in a blanket of ice and snow, but animals such as polar bears, seals and the walrus don't seem to mind.

• Desert

• Rainforest

• Polar Lands

• Ocean