What defines an ecosystem and how do its living and non-living components interact?

Ecosystems consist of living and non-living components.

• Plants and animals interact.

• Non-living factors support life.

• Complex relationships exist.

Fynbos is a unique ecosystem found in which country, and what is its most notable feature?

Fynbos is in South Africa.

• Unique ecosystem with diversity.

• Home to King Protea flower.

• Important for conservation efforts.

Fill in the blank: The ___ biome supports a wide variety of plants and animals in the Western Cape's specific climate.

Fynbos

True or False: The Arctic tundra is characterized by a rich diversity of tree species.

False. The Arctic tundra is characterized by cold regions with no trees, primarily consisting of shrubs and dwarf plants.

Riddle: I am a high-altitude area with rocky terrain, home to specialized plants and animals. What am I?

A mountain.

What type of ecosystem includes tropical savannas and temperate grasslands?

Grasslands.

Short Answer: What adaptations do fynbos plants have to survive their environment?

Fynbos plants are adapted to harsh, windy conditions and frequent fires, with seeds that often germinate only after being scorched.

Fill in the blank: Deserts and semi-deserts are arid regions with ___ vegetation.

Sparse

Which ecosystem is known for supporting fish, plants, and other aquatic life?

Rivers.

What are the primary components that make up an ecosystem?

Ecosystems consist of living and non-living components.

• Includes plants and animals.

• Non-living elements are crucial.

• Supports life and interactions.

Fill in the blank: A healthy ecosystem maintains a balance between living and non-living things, which supports sufficient ___.

Biodiversity

True or False: Water is only important for drinking and does not play a role in photosynthesis.

False. Water is essential for drinking, photosynthesis, and provides a habitat for aquatic organisms.

Riddle: I am essential for life and can be a river or a lake; without me, plants cannot grow, and animals cannot take a drink. What am I?

Water

What role does sunlight play in ecosystems?

Sunlight powers photosynthesis, enabling plants to produce food, which is crucial for the energy needs of the ecosystem.

Fill in the blank: Disruptions like drought or soil erosion can reduce ___ and harm the ecosystem.

Biodiversity

Short Answer: How do plants and animals interact in an ecosystem?

Plants produce their own food and serve as a food source for animals, creating a network of producers and consumers within the ecosystem.

Multiple Choice: Which of the following is NOT a non-living component of an ecosystem? A) Air B) Water C) Trees D) Soil

C) Trees

What is the impact of dense tree canopies on ecosystems?

Dense tree canopies can block sunlight, limiting undergrowth and animal habitats, which negatively affects species that rely on these habitats.

Riddle: I can be found in the ground and come in many forms, I support plant life and house small creatures. What am I?

Soil

What are the primary consumers in a food chain?

Primary consumers are herbivores that eat plants, such as mice in a savanna.

Fill in the blank: Decomposers, such as bacteria and fungi, are crucial for ___ by breaking down dead matter.

Recycling nutrients into the soil for plants to use

True or False: Scavengers are a type of consumer that only eats live animals.

False. Scavengers eat dead animals.

Riddle: I eat both plants and animals, and I can be found at various levels of the food chain. What am I?

An omnivore.

Describe the difference between a food chain and a food web.

A food chain is simpler.

• Linear feeding relationships exist.

• Food webs show ecosystem complexity.

• Chains are part of webs.

Fill in the blank: Secondary consumers eat ___ consumers.

Primary