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Basic 4 Science Note Ecosystem

The document provides an overview of ecosystems, defining them as systems of interacting living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. It categorizes ecosystems into terrestrial (including forest, grassland, tundra, and desert) and aquatic (freshwater and marine) types, and discusses the interdependence of organisms within these ecosystems. Additionally, it highlights the causes of ecosystem imbalance, including natural events and human activities, and suggests the importance of preserving ecosystems.

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8 views7 pages

Basic 4 Science Note Ecosystem

The document provides an overview of ecosystems, defining them as systems of interacting living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components. It categorizes ecosystems into terrestrial (including forest, grassland, tundra, and desert) and aquatic (freshwater and marine) types, and discusses the interdependence of organisms within these ecosystems. Additionally, it highlights the causes of ecosystem imbalance, including natural events and human activities, and suggests the importance of preserving ecosystems.

Uploaded by

bismark sam-essuman
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We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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CEDAR MONTESSORI

PRIMARY DEPARTMENT
GRADE 4 SUBJECT: SCIENCE
WEEK 5 - WEEK 7 NOTE
STRAND 3: SYSTEMS SUB-STRAND 3: ECOSYSTEM

B4.3.3.1.1
INTRODUCTION:

An ecosystem is a system made up of living and non – living things that interact with each
other. They include all the plants and animals and are referred to as biotic factors. Non –
living things include water, soil, rock, and climate. They are also known as abiotic factors.

Types of Ecosystem
An ecosystem can be as small as an oasis in a desert, or as big as an ocean, spanning thousands
of miles. There are two types of ecosystem:

 Terrestrial Ecosystem
 Aquatic Ecosystem

Terrestrial Ecosystem

Terrestrial ecosystems are exclusively land-based ecosystems. There are different types of
terrestrial ecosystems distributed around various geological zones. They are as follows:

1. Forest Ecosystem
2. Grassland Ecosystem
3. Tundra Ecosystem
4. Desert Ecosystem

Forest Ecosystem

A forest ecosystem consists of several


plants, particularly trees, animals and
microorganisms that live in coordination
with the abiotic factors of the
environment. Forests help in maintaining
the temperature of the earth and are the
major carbon sink.
Grassland (Savannah) Ecosystem

In a grassland ecosystem, the vegetation is dominated by grasses and herbs. Temperate


grasslands and tropical or savanna grasslands are examples of grassland ecosystems.

Tundra Ecosystem

Tundra ecosystems are devoid of trees and are found in cold climates or where rainfall is
scarce. These are covered with snow for most of the year. Tundra type of ecosystem is found
in the Arctic or mountain tops.
Desert Ecosystem

Deserts are found throughout the world. These are regions with little rainfall and scarce
vegetation. The days are hot, and the nights are cold.

Aquatic Ecosystem

Aquatic ecosystems are ecosystems present in a body of water. These can be further divided
into two types, namely:

1. Freshwater Ecosystem
2. Marine Ecosystem

Freshwater Ecosystem

The freshwater ecosystem is an aquatic ecosystem that includes lakes, ponds, rivers, streams
and wetlands. These have no salt content compared with the marine ecosystem.

Marine Ecosystem

The marine ecosystem includes seas and oceans. These have a more salt content and greater
biodiversity in comparison to the freshwater ecosystem.

Interaction of living organisms in the ecosystem (interdepence)

Interdependence is the relationship between organisms in an ecosystem that depend on each


other for survival. It also includes the relationship between organism and non – living things.
Biotic components refer to all living components in an ecosystem. Based on nutrition, biotic
components can be categorised into autotrophs, heterotrophs and saprotrophs (or
decomposers).

Animals depend on plants for food

- Plants produce food through the process of photosynthesis. Animals depend on plants
for food.
- They also depend on plants for oxygen for breathing and respiration.
- Some animals feed directly on plants. Examples are rabbits, goat, cattle, snail and many
more.
- Some animals are meat eaters, this means they feed on the animals that feed directly
on plants for survival. Therefore, they also feed on plants indirectly.
- Forest and wetlands filter water so that animals have clean water to drink.

Animals depend on plants for shelter.

- Many animals depend on plants for shelter.


- They create their homes on various part of the plant.
- Monkeys live on the branches of trees, birds also live on trees some insects also live the
branches and leaves of some plants and squirrels bore holes in the stem or trunk of
trees to live there.
Plants depend on animals

Plants depend on animals for pollination, seed dispersal and


nutrient. This mutual interdependence is necessary for the
survival of both plants and animals.

a. Pollination

Animals help pollinate plants, which allow plans to produce seed and reproduce.

b. Seed dispersal

-Animals spread seeds to new locations.


- Some seeds have spines or hair that attach to animals fur or skin, helping to disperse them
over long distances.

c. Nutrients

- When animals die and decompose, their bodies add nutrients to the soil, which plants use for
growth.

- Animal excrement also adds nutrients to the soil.

- Animals also exhale carbon dioxide, which plants take in.

The imbalance of the ecosystem

An imbalance of the ecosystem occurs when the natural balance of an ecosystem is disrupted.
This can be caused by natural events or human activities.

1. Natural events

Volcanic eruptions and floods can disrupt ecosystems. Lightning can start and turn a forest to
ash. The climate may also change and may cause drought or flooding.

2. Human activities:

a. Land use: converting natural land to urban areas or intensity managed systems.

b. Invasive species: Invasive species can compete with native species for resources and alter
habitats.

c. Pollution: Industrial and atmospheric pollution can harm ecosystems.

d. Faulty water use: Faulty water resources can contribute to ecological imbalance.
e. Deforestation: When trees are cut down indiscriminately, it can cause imbalance of the
ecosystem.

f. Mining: Faulty mining practices can contribute to ecological imbalance.

g. Fertilizer and pesticides: Using too much fertilizer or pesticides can damage ecosystems.

Ways of preserving the ecosystem

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