Exploring Pumpkin Decomposition

Charlie Brown is curious about what gives plants their energy in the ecosystem. Can you help him find the answer?

• Water

• The Sun

• Soil

• Air

Answer explanation

Plants get their energy through photosynthesis, which primarily relies on sunlight. The Sun provides the necessary light energy that plants convert into chemical energy, making it the key source of energy in the ecosystem.

Charlie Brown is curious about nature. He wants to know which of the following organisms helps break down dead material in the environment?

• Rabbit

• Mushroom

• Eagle

• Oak Tree

Answer explanation

Mushrooms are decomposers that break down dead organic material, returning nutrients to the soil. Unlike rabbits, eagles, and oak trees, mushrooms play a crucial role in recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.

How does Charlie Brown's lunch indirectly get its energy from the sun?

• Charlie Brown eats the sun directly.

• Plants convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, which Charlie Brown then consumes.

• The sun heats the soil, which Charlie Brown eats.

• Charlie Brown absorbs sunlight through his skin.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that plants use photosynthesis to convert sunlight into energy. When Charlie Brown eats plants, he indirectly consumes the energy that originated from the sun.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.1

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RL.4.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

Charlie Brown is curious about why decomposers are important in the cycling of matter in an ecosystem. Can you help him understand?

• They produce oxygen for plants.

• They break down dead organisms, returning nutrients to the soil.

• They provide shelter for small animals.

• They create new plants.

Answer explanation

Decomposers are crucial because they break down dead organisms, returning essential nutrients to the soil. This process enriches the soil, supporting plant growth and maintaining the ecosystem's balance.

Charlie Brown is curious about how temperature affects the rate at which leaves decompose in his backyard compost pile. What should he expect?

• Higher temperatures slow down decomposition.

• Lower temperatures speed up decomposition.

• Higher temperatures speed up decomposition.

• Temperature has no effect on decomposition.

Answer explanation

Higher temperatures speed up decomposition because heat enhances microbial activity, which breaks down organic matter more quickly. Therefore, Charlie should expect that warmer conditions will accelerate the decomposition of leaves.

Charlie Brown wants to investigate how different temperatures affect the decomposition rate of a pumpkin.

• Place pumpkins in different temperature environments and measure their weight loss over time.

• Measure the size of pumpkins in one temperature.

• Count the number of seeds in each pumpkin.

• Observe the color change of pumpkins in one environment.

Answer explanation

The correct choice involves placing pumpkins in various temperature environments to directly measure how temperature affects their decomposition rate through weight loss, which is a clear indicator of decomposition.

Charlie Brown wants to understand how matter cycles through an ecosystem. What evidence should he collect?

• The number of animals in a forest.

• The growth rate of plants in a garden.

• The decomposition of leaves and their effect on soil nutrients.

• The color of flowers in a field.

Answer explanation

The decomposition of leaves is crucial as it recycles nutrients back into the soil, supporting plant growth and overall ecosystem health. This evidence directly illustrates how matter cycles through an ecosystem.

How can Charlie Brown use technology to enhance his scientific observation while studying decomposition?

• By providing entertainment during experiments.

• By allowing precise measurements and data collection.

• By making experiments more colorful.

• By replacing the need for human observation.

Answer explanation

Charlie Brown can enhance his scientific observation of decomposition by using technology for precise measurements and data collection, which allows for accurate tracking of changes over time.

In Charlie Brown's neighborhood, what role do the decomposers play in the food web?

• Producers

• Consumers

• Decomposers

• Predators

Answer explanation

Decomposers play a crucial role in the food web by breaking down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil, and supporting the growth of producers. Thus, they are correctly identified as decomposers.

In Charlie Brown's neighborhood, what role do decomposers play in the cycle of nutrients?

• Decomposers prevent nutrient cycling.

• Decomposers are not involved in nutrient cycling.

• Decomposers break down dead matter, releasing nutrients back into the ecosystem.

• Decomposers consume all nutrients, leaving none for other organisms.

Answer explanation

Decomposers play a crucial role in nutrient cycling by breaking down dead matter, which releases nutrients back into the ecosystem, making them available for other organisms to use.

Tags

CCSS.RL.1.10

CCSS.RL.K.5