Ecosystems

The grasslands of Africa are an example of an ecosystem.

Fig. 11.1 shows a food chain within this ecosystem.

Fig. 11.1

Name an example of each of the following in the food chain shown in Fig. 11.1.

A primary consumer.

An abiotic component.

Describe the role of grass as a producer in this food chain.

Organisms depend on each other for survival. This is called interdependence.

Fig. 11.2 shows a buffalo and some oxpeckers.

Fig. 11.2

Ticks are small organisms that feed on, live on and harm the buffalo.

Oxpeckers sit on the buffalo eating the harmful ticks. They also warn the buffalo if danger is nearby.

Identify the type of relationship between these organisms using ideas about interdependence.

Ticks and buffalo........

Oxpeckers and buffalo........

Which word describes all the physical features and living organisms in an area?

A Community

B Ecosystem

C Habitat

D Interdependence

Which row shows the correct levels of organisation in an ecosystem?

The diagram shows some of the levels of organisation within the ecosystem.

Complete the diagram using words in the list.

Explain why the carbon cycle is important to plants.

Which term describes all the different organisms living in an environment?

A Community

B Ecosystem

C Population

D Species

Which term describes all the different plants and animals that live in the same place?

A Community

B Ecosystem

C Habitat

D Trophic level

Which term describes the interaction between living organisms and their physical environment?

A Community

B Ecosystem

C Habitat

D Trophic level