How Does Pollution affect Ecosystems? – Critical Thinking Writing Prompt
Scenario: A factory dumped toxic chemicals into a nearby river. In this river there are many food
chains. Plants were dying and the animals were affected.
Writing prompt: How do you think the pollution affected this aquatic ecosystem if it killed the plants
first? You must write at least 2 paragraphs (4-5 sentences each). Be sure to explain how a food chain
works. Include the words: producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer, and tertiary consumer.
Be sure to answer all questions. Cross out each question as you answer it in your paragraphs. You
may answer these questions in any logical order you choose:
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How does pollution affect an aquatic ecosystem if the plants were killed first?(include the words
producer, primary consumer, secondary consumer, and tertiary consumer)
Does the pollution only affect one trophic level or does it affect every organism in the food
chain? (Does it only affect producers? Only affect consumers? Affects every organism?)
Does the pollution in the water affect other food chains in terrestrial (land) ecosystems? If so,
how could it be affected?
Do you think people have a responsibility to keep our water clean AND why?