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 environment (air, water, and soil).

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What are the main types of ecosystems?

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The main types of ecosystems include forests, grasslands, deserts, tundras, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

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What is a tundra ecosystem?

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A tundra ecosystem is a cold, treeless area where the ground is permanently frozen (permafrost) and has limited vegetation.

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Why do tundras have few trees?

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Tundras have few trees because the roots cannot grow in the frozen soil.

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What is a desert ecosystem?

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A desert ecosystem is characterized by very low rainfall, extreme temperatures, and sparse vegetation.

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What role do decaying plants and animals play in an ecosystem?

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Decaying plants and animals return nutrients to the soil, which helps new plants grow.

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What is a grassland ecosystem?

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A grassland ecosystem is dominated by grasses and has few trees, often found in areas with moderate rainfall.

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What is a wetland ecosystem?

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A wetland ecosystem is an area where water covers the soil for part of the year, supporting diverse plant and animal life.

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What is the importance of sunlight in ecosystems?

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Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, which allows plants to produce food and oxygen for other living organisms.

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What is a marine ecosystem?

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A marine ecosystem includes oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries, supporting a wide variety of aquatic life.