Ecosystems Chapter 3 Independent Study
Read the following Chapter 3 sections in the textbook and answer the questions.
3.2 Equilibrium & Change
1.
2.
3.
Read pages 80-82
Define the following terms:
 equilibrium, succession, primary succession, secondary succession
Describe characteristics of ecosystems in equilibrium.
a) Is succession a natural process? Explain.
b) Give an example of succession.
c) Are there any benefits of succession? Explain.
Textbook Questions:
p. 82 # 3-7
3.3 The Importance of Biodiversity
1.
2.
Read pages 83-86
What is meant by Biodiversity?
Complete the table regarding biodiversity.
Location
# Species
Identified
# Species
Estimated
Earth (all species)
Canada (all species)
Rainforest
Ontario
3.
4.
5.
6.
(tree species / hectare)
hummingbirds
(tree species / hectare)
hummingbirds
Where on Earth is biodiversity the greatest? Why?
Why is biodiversity important?
a) Is extinction a natural process? Explain.
b) What caused mass extinction millions of years ago?
c) What is the main cause of extinction in the past 10,000 years?
Define the following terms: Extinct, extirpated, endangered, threaten,
special concern
Textbook Questions: pg. 86 #1-8
3.5 The Introduction of Non-Native Species
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Read pages 91-95
What is a non-native or exotic species?
When non-native species are introduced to an ecosystem, most do not survive.
Why?
On few occasions, an introduced species is successful in its new environment.
Why?
What is an invasive species?
How many invasive species are there in Canada? in the Great Lakes?
Name 3 invasive species in Ontario.
Briefly describe 4 possible impacts of invasive species (see table 1).
Briefly describe 3 methods used to control invasive species.
3.6 Pollution
Read pages 96-101
1.
Define pollution.
2.
Name at least 6 pollutants.
Acid Precipitation (Acid Rain)
3.
Define acid precipitation.
4.
a)
Name the two air pollutants responsible for acid rain.
b)
Where are they produced? How are they produced?
c)
What forms when they combine with water vapour in
the air?
5.
Describe the effect of acid rain on aquatic ecosystems.
6.
Describe the effect of acid rain on terrestrial ecosystems.
7.
Describe the effect of acid rain on society.
Textbook Questions: page 101 # 4, 7, 8
Summary
Read page 108 “Looking Back”
Complete p 110-111 #1-5, 7, 12, 13
p112 #1-3, 5-10
Be prepared to write a Quiz on Chapter 3 on Wednesday December 16