Chapter 4 (Ecosystems)

Question 1

What is an ecosystem?

Answer 1

A natural unit consisting of all the plants, animals and micro-organisms in an area together with the non-living aspects of the environment

Question 2

Each ecosystem consists of a balanced interaction between the…

Answer 2

Biotic factors & abiotic factors

Question 3

What is a biotic factor?

Answer 3

Living components like plants, animals and micro-organisms

Question 4

What is an abiotic factor?

Answer 4

Non-living factors like rocks & water.

Question 5

List 7 abiotic factors.

Answer 5

~Soil
~Temp
~Light
~Physiographic factors
~Rainfall & climate
~Atmospheric gasses
~Fire

Question 6

Why is soil important to the ecosystems?

Answer 6

~ Soil is a habitat to organisms
~ Plants can anchor their roots
~ Source of mineral salts for plants and animals
~ Decomposition of organic material

Question 7

What components does soil consist of?

Answer 7

~ Mineral component
~ Humus
~ Micro organisms
~ Water
~ Air

Question 8

What is Humus?

Answer 8

Dead plants and animals matter the was broken down by decomposers, it is an important process to the ecosystem as it recycles nutrients

Question 9

What are the soil types?

Answer 9

Sand, Loam & Clay