Ecosystem Roles and Functions

The video tutorial introduces forest ecosystems through a simulation activity. Students observe the effects of removing deer on tree and mushroom populations. Key ecological concepts such as organic and inorganic matter, producers, consumers, and decomposers are explained. Students learn to graph results and submit their findings.

What is the first step in setting up the forest ecosystem gizmo?

• Check the mushroom population

• Click on the data table

• Advance the year a couple of times

• Remove all the deer

What happens to the tree population after removing all the deer?

• It decreases

• It fluctuates randomly

• It remains the same

• It increases

What is the effect on the mushroom population after the deer are removed?

• It remains the same

• It disappears

• It decreases

• It increases

What should you do if the activity instructions tell you to remove something?

• Ignore the instruction

• Add more of it

• Change the gizmo settings

• Remove it and observe the results

Which of the following is considered an organic component in an ecosystem?

• Water

• Rock

• Tree

• Air

What is the role of producers in an ecosystem?

• They decompose dead matter

• They consume other organisms

• They provide shelter

• They make their own food

Which of the following is a consumer in the forest ecosystem?

• Rock

• Mushroom

• Deer

• Tree

What is the primary function of decomposers in an ecosystem?

• To provide energy

• To produce food

• To consume living organisms

• To break down dead matter

How can you capture a screenshot of your graph in the gizmo?

• Draw it manually

• Press the print screen button

• Click the camera icon

• Use a mobile phone camera

What should you do after capturing a screenshot of your graph?

• Delete it

• Ignore it

• Paste it into the data table

• Email it to the teacher