Unit B: Interactions in the Environment (Pg. 88 – 173)
Chapter 4: Healthy Ecosystems (pg. 94 – 119)
Name: __________________________
Date: ________________________
4.1: What is an Ecosystem? (Pg. 96 – 99):
Overall Expectations:
2&3
Specific Expectations: 2.4, 3.1, 3.2
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 96 – 99. Answer the following questions:
1.
Define the followings:
Organism:
A single living thing
Population:
Is the number of organisms of the same species living in one place at the same time.
Community:
A community is made up of all the populations that live in the same area. (All organisms within an area)
Ecosystem:
The network of interactions that link the living and non-living parts of an environment.
Biome:
Is a collection of related ecosystems.
Biosphere:
Is all of the biomes and all of the ecosystems on Earth.
Species:
A group of living things that look similar and can mate and produce similar offspring.
Micro-organism: A living thing that is small and must be viewed with the help of a microscope.
Ecology:
The study of relationships between organisms, and between organisms and their environment.
2.
a)
b)
c)
Name three human interactions that may happen in an environment such as Point Pelee.
Adding trash and other waste products that are not naturally in that environment
Killing some of the living things (such as plants when humans step on them)
Causing some of the living things to die or leave (such as animals, if humans pollute the water along the shoreline).
3.
Explain how a rotting log can be an ecosystem.
An ecosystem is a system of interactions between biotic and abiotic parts of an environment. That system can be large or small.
In a rotting log, abiotic elements such as water, temperature, and light are interacting with fungi, insects, micro-organisms
(living things) and the rotting log itself (which began as a biotic living tree and is being decomposed into abiotic nutrients).
4.
Give an example of a smaller ecosystem existing within a larger ecosystem.
Point Pelee is an example of a large ecosystem that contains many smaller ecosystems. For example, animals in the savannah
ecosystem drink water from the marsh ecosystem, which gets some water that runs off from the savannah and swamp forest
ecosystems when it rains.
5.
Define biotic and abiotic. List thee biotic and three abiotic components (examples):
Biotic: Living things that live in the same ecosystem.
3 examples: plants (grass, carrots, apples), animals (dogs, lions, etc),
others (humans, bacteria)
Abiotic: Non-living things that live in the same ecosystem
3 examples: water, temperature, light, oxygen, nutrients, soil, etc.
4.2: The Needs of Living Things (Pg. 100-103)
Overall Expectations:
2&3
Specific Expectations: 2.4, 3.1, 3.2
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 100-103. Answer the following questions:
1.
a) List the basic needs of all living things.
Living things need energy (from sunlight), gases in the air, water, nutrients, and ideal temperature.
b) Explain why organisms need these factors to survive.
Organisms need water, oxygen or carbon dioxide from the air, and nutrients from food to grow, to maintain their bodies, and to
carry out their life processes. These activities also require energy. Without a ideal temperature range, organisms will either
freeze to death or overheat.
2.
Explain why sunlight is a basic need for both plants and animals.
Plants need light energy to make their own food. The Sun's energy is passed along to animals when they eat plants or other
animals that have eaten plants. Animals and plants also need the Sun to keep Earth at a ideal temperature.
3.
Describe the different (3) ways that different organisms need water to survive.
a) Plants need water, CO2, and sunlight to grow up and to make food. b) Animals need water to digest food and to form bodily
fluids, such as blood. C) Water animals also get their oxygen from water.
4.
Name two ways that plants affect human survival.
Plants help humans survive by a) producing oxygen, which we need to breathe, and by b) providing us with food.
4.4: Interactions Among Living Things (Pg. 106 – 109)
Name: __________________________
Overall Expectations:
2&3
Date: ________________________
Specific Expectations: 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 106-109. Answer the following questions:
1.
In your words, explain competition.
Competition is an interaction between organisms that use the same resources available in an area. Competition can occur within
a population (that is, between members of the same species) and between populations of different species.
2.
Explain how competition affects the number of organisms that can live in a habitat.
Competition limits the number of organisms that can live in a habitat because some resources are limited. When there is not
enough of a resource for all the organisms in an area, the organisms that lose the competition for that resource either die or
move somewhere else in search of that resource.
3.
a)
What is a predator animal? Give an example of a predator.
A predator is an animal that hunts and kills another animal for food. Examples include cats, which hunt mice.
b)
What is a prey animal? Give an example of a prey animal.
A prey animal is an animal that is hunted and eaten. Examples include rabbits, which are hunted by foxes.
c)
What is mutualism? Give an example of a mutualism.
Mutualism is an interaction between individuals of different species that benefits both individuals. An example of mutualism
can be seen when a bee visits a flower. Another example occurs between plants of legume family and bacteria in the soil. See
page 109.
4.5: How Do Humans Fit into Ecosystems? (Pg. 111 – 113)
Overall Expectations:
1&3
Specific Expectations: 1.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 111-113. Answer the following questions:
1.
Describe how humans change the ecosystems they live in.
Most humans do not live “in the wild,” so they build homes, roads, office buildings, stores, and restaurants. They also use land
to farm on. In all of these uses, the land is changed to suit the needs of the people. Usually native plants are removed and the
nearby soil and water are polluted, so native animals must move elsewhere to meet their needs.
2.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using fertilizers?
Benefits: The benefit of using fertilizers is that they make more food grow by adding nutrients to the soil. Larger supplies of
food can improve nutrition and decrease prices.
Drawbacks: The drawback is that excess nutrients in the fertilizers can run off the cropland. This can pollute neighbouring lands
and water bodies.
3.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of using pesticides?
Benefits: The benefit of using pesticides is that they stop insects and other pests from eating crops.
Drawbacks: The drawback is that the toxic chemicals in the pesticides can pollute the land and the water they run off into. They
also kill insects that are food for other animals, so those animals need to go elsewhere to meet their food needs. Also, over time
pest species can build up a tolerance to pesticide, requiring the use of even more pesticide to achieve the same results.
4.
Mining costs and benefits. Give examples of both costs (disadvantages) and benefits (advantages) of mining.
Advantages: Metals that are mined, such as iron, aluminum and nickel, are advantageous because they are used to make
machines and useful technologies, such as cars, appliances, batteries, and braces.
Disadvantages: The disadvantages of mining include emitting pollutants, such as sulfur dioxide, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury,
into the air and releasing them into the soil and water.
Chapter 4: Chapter Review (pg. 118 – 119)
Name: __________________________
1.
Date: ________________________
For each of the followings, explain the difference between the two terms:
a)
Biotic and abiotic
Biotic
Biotic means living. Biotic elements of the environment are living things or things produced by living things
Abiotic
Abiotic means non-living and not produced by living things. Abiotic elements of the environment are nonliving things and conditions.
b)
Individual and population
Individual
An individual is one living thing.
Population
A population is the sum of all the individuals of the same species in an area.
c)
Predator and prey
Predator
A predator is an animal that hunts and kills its food.
Prey
A prey is the animal hunted by the predator.
2.
a)
b)
Give two examples of biotic-abiotic interactions
The giving off oxygen into the air by plants as they photosynthesize.
The taking of oxygen from water by fish as they breathe.
3.
a) What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a system of interactions among and between the biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) elements of an
environment.
b) How is an ecosystem different from a habitat? Give and example of each.
A habitat is the place in an environment where an organism lives. For example, when a frog lives in and around a pond, the
pond area is frog’s habitat.
The pond ecosystem is the system of interactions between and among the frog, water, pond plants and algae, other animals in
the pond, air, sunlight, temperature range over the year, and other biotic and abiotic elements in the area.
10. Humans are able to live in more types of environments than any other species. Explain this statement.
Humans make tools that help them compete for resources. For example, humans deal with reliable temperatures by heating and
cooling buildings and wearing warm clothes. They also farm to produce food that is not found in the natural environment and
import food from other places.
12. List and describe three human activities that can have a negative effect on an ecosystem.
a) Driving cars: Driving requires us to use fossil fuels that pollute the air.
b) Farming:
Farming often uses chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can leach into the soil and groundwater.
c) Mining:
Mining can scar the land and leave behind pollutants, such as slag.
13. Imagine you are a gardener. You are having trouble growing a certain species of plant in the area where you live (Fig 2).
a) Suggest possible (3) reasons why this type of plant will not grow in your area.
1. The plant may have too little or too much water.
2. 1. The plant may have too little or too much sunlight.
3. It may need nutrients that are not in the soil.
4. It may not be able to grow in the temperature range in the region.
5. A pest that might not be easy to see may be damaging the plant.
b) What steps (name 3) could you take to solve the problem?
1. Move the plant to a well-drained slope for less water or to low spot for more water.
2. Remove other plants that are shading the plant, or add plants to provide shade if the temperature is too hot.
3. Add nutrients to the soil.
4. Move the plant indoor or into a greenhouse, if it needs to be warmer.
5. Examine the plant closely and attempt to remove any pests.
19. Key Question: What are the essential elements of a healthy ecosystem?
A healthy ecosystem needs living and non-living elements, including sunlight, that interact to provide organisms with water,
oxygen or carbon dioxide, nutrients, and a ideal temperature range to survive.
WORKBOOK
What is an Ecosystem? (pg. 67)
1. Organisms are biotic because they are living things.
2. An ecosystem is the interactions of biotic and abiotic parts of the environment. A marsh is one ecosystem in Point Pelee
National Park.
3. A population is made of members of the same species.
A community is made of many different species.
4. Elements in an ecosystem are biotic and abiotic. These elements constantly affect each other. For example, when the Sun melts
snow, two biotic elements interact.
Analyze Parts of an Ecosystem (pg. 68)
1.
a) Two abiotic elements
b) a biotic an abiotic element.
C) Two biotic elements.
The Needs of Living Things (pg. 73)
1. Sunlight, air, water, food, and an ideal temperature.
2. Organisms can only live in habitats where their basic needs are met.
3. Water has dissolved gases. Most plants and animals that live in water absorb these gases from the water.
4. Some animals eats plants, which have already used sunlight to make food. Meat-eaters then get energy by eating plant-eaters.
5. Organisms need: Sunlight to grow and reproduce. Air to get important gases. Water and food to grow and stay healthy. An
ideal temperature…
4.2 Identify the basic needs of living things:
1)
a) food
b) sunlight
c) water
d) air
e) ideal temp range
2)
a) The air in the environment has oxygen for me to breathe.
b) The food that grows in the area gives me nutrients.
3) Only organisms that need a small supply of water could live in a desert. Organisms that need a large supply of water could not
survive.
Interactions among living things (pg. 79)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Competition happens when organisms that live in the same place try to use the same resources.
The owl is the predator because it hunts. The mouse is the prey because it is hunted by the owl.
The owls do not have enough to eat. They become weaker and some die.
Mutualism is an interaction between organisms of different species. This interaction benefits both organisms.
The number of organisms that can live in a habitat depends on the amount of resources in the area. Organisms have to compete
for the same resources. When the resources are limited, some organism die or move to another area.
Analyze changes in populations (pg. 80)
1.
2.
a)
b)
This chart show predation. You can see how predator and prey populations affect each other.
The wolf population decreased, and the moose population increased.
As the wolf population decreased, there were fewer predators to eat the moose. As a result, the moose population increased.
How do humans fit into ecosystems? (pg. 84)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Humans need the same resources that another organisms need, such as soil and water.
Pesticides and fertilizers can pollute the soil. Pesticides may take away food from birds. Farming machines pollute the air.
Mining gives humans important metals. Humans can also harm ecosystems. Toxic substances harm organisms in the
environment.
Humans change ecosystem by adding or taking away things. Shelters in Ontario cut down forests to build farms and towns.
Chapter 5: Interactions Within Ecosystems (pg. 120 – 145)
Name: __________________________
Date: ________________________
5.1: The Roles of Organisms in an Ecosystem (Pg. 122- 124)
Overall Expectations:
2, 3
Specific Expectations: 2.4, 3.3
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 122-124. Answer the following questions:
1.
Explain the differences between producers and consumers.
Producers: get energy from food they make themselves. Most producers make food using CO 2, water, and energy from sun.
Consumers: They get energy by eating other organisms.
2.
a)
What are the raw materials of photosynthesis?
The raw materials of photosynthesis are CO 2 and water (H2O). Plants also need sunlight to perform photosynthesis.
b)
What are the products of photosynthesis?
The products of photosynthesis are oxygen and sugars.
c)
What happens to the products of photosynthesis?
The sugars made in photosynthesis are used by the producer for energy and to build up its body. Oxygen that the plant does not
use itself is released into the atmosphere. The food and oxygen may be used by animals when they consume plants and breathe
in oxygen.
3.
What is the difference between detrivores and decomposers?
Detrivores get their energy by feeding on large parts of decaying animals and plants.
Decomposers feed on decayed matter left behind by consumers and detrivores.
4.
a)
What are the similarities between omnivores and carnivores?
Omnivores and carnivores are both types of consumers, and both eat animals.
b)
What the differences between omnivores and carnivores?
Omnivores eat plants, but carnivores do not.
5.
What role do scavengers play in ecosystems?
Scavengers eat the remains of dead organisms.
6.
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)
Define the followings:
Producer:
an organism that makes its own food from non-living materials.
Consumer: an organism that eats other living things for energy.
Herbivore: an organism that eats plants only.
Carnivore: an organism that eats other animals only.
Omnivore: an organism that eats both plants and animals.
Scavenger: an organism that eats already dead animals.
Detrivore: an organism that feeds on large parts of decaying plant and animal matter and on waste material.
Decomposer: an organism that consumes and breaks down dead organisms or waste matter into simple substances.
7.
a)
Define the process of photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a process by which plants use water, carbon dioxide, and sunlight to produce sugars (food).
b)
What is the equation for the stages of the photosynthesis?
Sun’s energy + water + Carbon dioxide  food (sugar) + oxygen
H2O + CO2 + light energy  sugar (C6 H12 O6 ) + O2
5.2: Food Chains and Food Webs (Pg. 125- 128)
Name: __________________________
Overall Expectations:
2, 3
Date: ________________________
Specific Expectations: 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.4
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 125-128. Answer the following questions:
1.
Define food chain and food web.
Food Chain: a sequence that shows how energy and nutrients are transferred from one organism to another in an ecosystem.
Food Web: a model that shows how food chains in an ecosystem are connected.
2.
Create two food chains from the following list. Use Figure 4 to help you.
Raccoon
mallard duck
mosquito larva
Elodea
freshwater calm
human
a)
b)
algae  mosquito larva  mallard duck  human
algae  freshwater clam  raccoon
3.
What is the role of producers in food chains and food webs?
Producers convert energy in sunlight into stored energy in food.
algae
duckweed
4.
a) What are the similarities between food webs and food chains?
They are both models that show how energy and nutrients pass from one organism to another in an ecosystem.
b) What are the differences between food webs and food chains?
In a food chain, each organism only has one source of food and is eaten by at most one other organism.
In a food web, every organism can have many food sources and can be the food source for more than one other organism.
5.
Explain what may happen to a food web if one of the species of the web is removed.
If a species is removed from a food web, the food web could collapse, or it could reorganize depending on how many organisms
relied on the species that had been removed.
6.
What is the initial source of the energy in all food webs and food chains?
The initial source of energy for most food chains and food webs is sunlight. Producers use energy in sunlight to make food.
7.
Complete:
A food chain can have just two components, a producer and a consumer. Other food chains are more complicated. A producer may be
consumed by a herbivore, also called primary consumer, which is then eaten by a carnivore, also called secondary consumer. In some
cases, another carnivore, also called tertiary consumer, eats the first carnivore.
8.
Create a food chain at lease three organisms long that includes human beings.
Sun  crops  chicken  humans
OR
organic matter  chicken  human
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.4: Energy Flow in an Ecosystem. (Pg. 132- 134)
Overall Expectations:
2, 3
Specific Expectations: 2.4, 3.3, 3.4, 3.7
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 132-134. Answer the following questions:
1.
A chicken eats some grain. In your words, describe what happens to the energy in the food once the chicken eats it.
When a chicken eats the grain, about 30% of the energy in the grain is used to sustain the chicken, about 60% is wasted,
and about 10% goes to body growth.
2.
What is a pyramid of numbers? How does it relate to a food chain?
A pyramid of numbers shows the total numbers of organisms at each level of the food chain.
3.
How is a pyramid of numbers different from an ecological pyramid?
Ecological pyramid:
It is a diagram indicating which organisms in an ecosystem eat which other organisms.
Pyramid of numbers:
is a diagram that shows that relative numbers of different organisms in an ecosystem.
4.
a)
What happens to the total number of organisms at each level of a pyramid of numbers?
The total number of organisms at each level decreases as you move up the pyramid.
b)
Explain in your own words why this occurs.
This occurs because only about 10% of the energy stored in the bodies of the organisms at each level is available to the
organisms at the next highest level.
5.
What type of organisms always occupy the first level of an ecological pyramid or a pyramid of numbers?
The first level of the pyramid of numbers is always occupied by producers.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5.5: Matter Cycles (Pg. 135- 139)
Overall Expectations:
1, 2, 3
Specific Expectations: 1.1, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2, 3.5
Background Information:
The two main life processes that cycle carbon are photosynthesis and respiration. Carbon bonds store and carry the energy needed by all
living things. Because usable energy is lost in each transfer along a food chain, more energy must constantly be captured and stored by
the process of photosynthesis. Only organisms with chlorophyll (mainly plants) are capable of photosynthesis. Respiration is the process
used by living things to break down sugars for the energy stored in them. Respiration is not only the process that releases energy from
carbon bonds. Simple and complex sugars, starches and cellulose can be broken down by combustion, which releases the carbon by
combining it with oxygen to form carbon dioxide. Burning wood and fossil fuels are good examples of this.
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 135-139. Answer the following questions:
1.
What is a cycle?
A cycle is a looping pattern of events.
2.
Explain how detrivors and decomposers recycle matter.
They break down matter from dead organisms into forms that can be reused by living plants.
3.
What is meant by the statement “Ecosystems are sustainable?”
This statement means that healthy ecosystems can be maintained indefinitely because matter is recycled.
4.
In your own words, describe the carbon cycle.
Carbon dioxide from the air it taken in by plants, which use it to make sugars. Some of those sugars are used by animals that
eat the plants, and eventually the carbon in the sugars is either returned to the atmosphere as waste gas or buried in the ground.
Carbon is also released to the atmosphere when forests burn or when people burn fossil fuels.
5.
In your own words, describe the water cycle.
Water evaporates. It rises and condenses and then falls as rain or other precipitation. Some of the water runs off the land back
into a river or stream and into the ocean. Some of the water moves through the ground, where plants take it up or people use
wells to get the water from deep underground.
6.
Describe some of the ways that the supply of fresh water on Earth is at risk.
People use a great deal of fresh water for agriculture and industry. The water they use often becomes polluted. Large amounts
of energy and time are required to clean the water.
7.
Define the followings:
a)
b)
c)
d)
Respiration:
Evaporation:
Condensation:
Precipitation:
The process used by living things to break down sugars for the energy stored in them.
The process in which a substance changes state from liquid to gas.
The change in state of a substance from gas to liquid.
Water in the liquid or solid state that falls to Earth.
Chapter 5: Chapter Review (pg. 144 – 145)
1.
What are the “ingredients” of photosynthesis?
The “ingredients” of photosynthesis are carbon dioxide, water, and sunlight.
2.
Create a food chain that has four organisms.
Kelp  sea urchin  sea otter  shark
3.
What would happen to ecosystems if dead organisms did not decompose?
If dead organisms did not decompose, the bodies would quickly cover Earth and nutrients contained in the
bodies would not be recycled for other organisms to use.
4.
Decomposers play an important role in which matter cycle?
Decomposers play an important role in The carbon cycle.
5.
Give two examples of each of the followings: (Organize your answers in a table).
Ecosystem Role
Examples
producer
Grass , maple tree
herbivore
Cow, rabbit
carnivore
Lion, polar bear
omnivore
Black bear, human
scavenger
Vulture, hyena
detrivore
Earthworm, beetle
decomposer
Bacterium, mould
6.
Explain the difference between a producer and a consumer.
A producer gets its energy from the sun. A consumer gets energy from the other organisms it eats.
7.
For each of the following, explain the difference between the two terms:
a) food chain, food web
A food chain includes only one link to and from each organism. A food web can have many links going to
or coming from each organism.
b) carnivore, scavenger
A carnivore kills organisms for food. a scavenger eats the remains of organisms that are already dead.
c) detrivore, decomposer
Decomposers break down wastes and dead plant and animal matter into simpler substances, and consume
those substances. Detrivores consume larger pieces of wastes and dead plant and animal matter.
d) primary consumer, secondary consumer
A primary consumer eats producers. A secondary consumer eats primary consumers.
9. Explain what is meant by “Energy flows and matter cycles.”
It means that new matter is not created; it is recycled in an ecosystem. Energy cannot be recycled. It can
flow only one direction in an ecosystem. New energy must continually enter the ecosystem.
STUDENT SUCCESS WORKBOOK
5.1: The Roles of Organisms in an ecosystem (Pg. 89)
1)
What are the products of photosynthesis? What happens to these products?
Products:
a) Sugar
b) oxygen
Plants use sugars as food and store extra sugar as starch. Plants release extra oxygen into the ear..
2)
What is the difference between herbivores and carnivores?
Herbivores: eat only plants.
Carnivores: eat only meat.
3)
What role do decomposers have in an ecosystem?
Decomposers break down dead organisms and wastes into simple substances.
4)
Key Question: How do different organisms in an ecosystem get food?
Producers can make their own food using non-living materials. Consumers must eat other organisms to get energy.
5.1: Complete a table: Roles in an Ecosystem (Pg. 90)
1)
Producers: make food through
photosynthesis. (tomato plant)
Omnivores: eat plants and animals (bears)
Herbivores: eat plant (deer)
Carnivores: eat animals (wolves)
Detrivores: eat large parts of decaying
matter and waste (earthworms)
Decomposers: absorb nutrients from dead
organisms in the process of decay (fungi)
2) Which type of organism are you? How do you know?
I am an omnivore because I eat both plants and animals.
5.2: Food Chains and Food Webs (Pg. 04)
1)
What is the difference between a food chain and a food web?
A food chain shows how one organism is connected to another organism in a straight line.
A food web shows how many food chains in an ecosystem are connected.
2)
D
A)
What are primary consumers?
Primary consumers are the first consumers in a food chain.
They eat producers.
B)
What are secondary consumers?
Secondary consumers are the second consumers in a food
chain. They eat primary consumers.
3)
What happens if a species disappears from a food chain?
The consumers that eat that species will have to fine other food, or they will die. Any organisms that the species used for food may
increase in population.
4)
Key Question: How is energy passed through an ecosystem, beginning with the Sun?
Producers absorb sunlight and store the energy in sugars and starches. The energy passes to consumers that eat plants. Then, the
energy passes to consumers that eat other consumers.
5.2: Analyze a Food Chain (Pg. 95)
2)
a) Which organism is the producer?
b) Which organism is the primary consumer?
The dandelion plant
The aphid
3)
a) How does the dandelion plant get energy?
It absorbs sunlight. It stores the energy is starches.
b) How does the ladybug get energy?
It eats aphids, which get energy from the dandelion plants.
4) What would happen if the ladybug disappeared from this food chain?
The robins would have less food. they would have to find other sources of food. There may also be too many aphids, and the aphids
might eat all the dandelions.
5.4: Energy Flow in an Ecosystem (Pg. 98-99)
1)
How do organisms use the energy they get from food?
Organisms use some energy for body functions. They also store some energy so they can grow and stay healthy.
2)
Why do food chains usually have no more than four levels?
Food chains lose energy at each level. If a food chain has too many levels, the top consumers don’t get enough energy.
3)
What is a pyramid of numbers?
A pyramid of numbers shows the number of organisms at each level of a food chain or food web.
4)
Where are producers located in a pyramid of numbers? Why?
Producers form the base of a pyramid 0of numbers. They provide energy for the consumers in the ecosystem.
5)
Key Question: How does energy loss affect the number of levels in a food chain?
Food chains lose energy at each level. If there are too many levels, the top consumers do not get enough energy. As a result, most
food chains usually have fewer than five levels.
5.4: Explore Energy in Food Chains (Pg. 100)
1) Does this food chain pass energy more effectively than a shorter food chain? Why?
No, this food chain loses more energy than a shorter food chain because there are more animals in the chain.
2) In Fig 1…How much of this energy does the mosquito larva pass to a sunfish?
About 10%
3) In a pyramid of numbers for fig 1, which organism would be at the base of the pyramid? Why?
The algae would be at the base. The algae are the producers that give energy to the rest of the food chain.
5.5: Matter Cycles (Pg. 105-106)
1)
Earth is a closed system. What does this mean?
No new matter enters Earth’s ecosystems and no matter leaves them.
2)
What is evaporation?
Evaporation is when a substance changes in state from a liquid to a gas.
3)
Describe the evaporation stage in the water cycle.
The Sun warms oceans, lakes, and rivers. Some water turns to water vapour and rises in the atmosphere.
4)
Why are cycles important to an ecosystem?
The amount of matter on Earth does not change. Cycles let organisms reuse the same matter many times.
5)
How have humans affected the carbon cycle?
Humans have added more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere by burning fossil fuels.
6)
Key Question: How do detrivores and decomposers recycle matter in an ecosystem?
Detrivores break down decaying matter into small pieces. Decomposers break down the small pieces into simple substances, which
go into the soil as nutrients. Plants use these nutrients to grow.
5.5: Analyze Cycles in Earth’s Ecosystems (Pg. 107)
1)
a)
b)
c)
Explain the role of each organism below in the carbon cycle.
An oak tree:
It uses sunlight, water, and CO2 from the air to make food.
A mushroom:
It breaks down dead plant matter and releases CO2 into the air.
A deer:
It releases CO2 into the air when it breaths.
2)
Explain how each action affects the water cycle:
a)
A farm uses large amounts of fresh water to grow crops.
The water cycle may not be able to supply water quickly enough to replace it. There could be less fresh water left to drink
b)
Rain washes chemicals from a mine into nearby rivers and lakes.
The chemicals pollute the fresh water. Organisms could be harmed if they drink the polluted water.
Unit B: Interactions in the Environment (Pg. 88 – 173)
Chapter 6: Organisms Depend on a Healthy Environment (pg. 146 – 167)
6.1: The Dynamics of Nature: Succession (Pg. 148- 150)
Overall Expectations:
2, 3
Specific Expectations: 2.4, 3.5, 3.8
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 148-150. Answer the following questions:
1.
Define the followings:
a) Succession: A series of gradual changes that result in the replacement of one community of plants and animals by another.
b) Primary succession: Succession that develops a community of plants and animals in an area where no living things existed
before.
c) Secondary succession: Succession that develops a community in an area after it has been disturbed.
2.
What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession occurs in an area where no living things exist. Secondary succession occurs in an area that has previously
sustained life, but has been disturbed by a natural or human-made event.
3.
Explain how humans interfere with succession. How does this negatively affect ecosystems?
Humans may clear-cut a forest and eliminate an entire ecosystem. Instead of allowing the area to recover through succession,
humans may plant one type of tree, such as pine tree. As a result, there are fewer animals that can live in the area because there
is only one type of plant to eat. In addition, this increases the likelihood of the area being wiped out by a disease or pest invasion.
6.2: Human Impact on Ecosystems (Pg. 151- 154)
Overall Expectations:
1, 2
Specific Expectations: 1.1, 2.4, 2.5, 3.8
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 151-154. Answer the following questions:
1.
What is habitat loss?
Habitat loss occurs when areas of land are cleared for human use, destroying the places where wild organisms live.
2.
a) What is biodiversity? Biodiversity is a measure of the number of different species in an ecosystem.
b) How are habitat loss and biodiversity connected? When habitat loss occurs, the biodiversity of an area generally declines.
3.
a) Define invasive species and native species.
An invasive species is a species that did not originate in an area, but has been introduced (generally due to human actions) and
now out-competes the native species. Native species are those that occur naturally in an area.
b) How do invasive species cause harm to the environment?
Invasive species generally do not have natural predators in their environment. This means that they can grow and reproduce
quickly and successfully, out-competing the native species for resources. As a result, the native species are often pushed out and
the biodiversity of the area decreases.
c) Name two invasive species found in Ontario and explain how they harm the environment.
1. Zebra mussels: They clog intake pipes of treatment plants. They also affect food chains by competing with native species for
food.
2. Garlic mustard: It out-competes native plants for nutrients and space. The animals that feed on the native plant species lose
a food source.
4.
Define the followings:
a) Endangered species: Species that are at risk of becoming extinct due to either reduction in numbers or an environmental
threat.
b) Extinction: The complete disappearance of a species from anywhere on Earth.
6.4 Protecting the Environment (Pg. 156- 159)
Overall Expectations:
1, 2, 3
Specific Expectations: 1.1, 1.2, 2.4, 3.8
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 156-159. Answer the following questions:

A hectare (ha) is a unit of area equal to 10,000 m2
1.
a) What is an ecological footprint?
An ecology footprint is an estimate of the amount of land and water needed to produce all of the things a person consumes and
to absorb all of the waste the person produces.
b) How many hectares of land does a North American need to sustain him or herself?
The average North American’s ecological footprint is about 12.4 hectares.
c) How many hectares are available for each human of Earth?
There are about 2 hectares available for every person on Earth.
2.
What is meant by conserving ecosystems?
Conserving ecosystems means using the resources of the ecosystems wisely.
3.
How does organic farming help to conserve ecosystems?
Organic farming methods use compost and biological pest control techniques to keep soil productive without destroying the
soil’s natural balance.
4.
What problem is created by improperly built landfill sites?
Water from rain and snow soaks through the waste and carries contaminants into the soil and groundwater.
5.
a)
b)
Name two ways in which people can help restore ecosystems.
By planting trees
By increasing the variety of plant species growing in lawns
6.5 Traditional Knowledge and Stewardship of Earth (Pg. 160- 161)
Overall Expectations:
1
Specific Expectations: 3.9
Check Your Learning: Read Pages 160-161. Answer the following questions:
1.
a) What is Traditional Knowledge?
Traditional Knowledge is knowledge, experience, and practice gained by Aboriginal people over many generations of living and
working with the environment.
b) How is Traditional Knowledge passed on from generation to generation?
It is passed from generation to generation through actions, stories, poems, paintings, rituals, and other traditions.
2. In what ways can Traditional Knowledge help Ontario strive toward sustainability?
Aboriginal people can teach us how to use natural resources in a sustainable way by teaching us their skills and techniques for
managing the land and its resources.
Chapter 6: Chapter Review (pg. 166 – 167)
Name: __________________________
Date: ________________________
1.
What is the difference between an endangered species and an extinct species?
An endangered species is one that is still found on Earth, but is in danger of becoming extinct. An extinct species is one that no
longer exists on Earth.
2.
What is the “ecological footprint”?
An ecological footprint is an estimate of the amount of land and water needed to regenerate the resources a person uses and to
absorb the wastes the person produces.
3.
Preserving, conserving, and restoring are three methods of helping to prevent habitat loss. Briefly explain each one and give an
example of each.
Meaning
Example
Preserving:
It means leaving an area undisturbed.
There are areas of untouched forest in northern Ontario that
should be protected from future logging.
Conserving:
It means using ecosystems wisely.
Using organic farming methods.
Restoring:
It means taking steps repair damage done by Planting trees to repair soil erosion.
human activity.
4.
a) What are the environmental “three Rs”?
The environmental “three Rs” are: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.
b) Explain how each one helps the environment.
Reducing: Reducing the amount of products we consume helps the environment because making food, clothing and other
products uses natural resources. If we consume fewer products, fewer natural resources are consumed, which helps conserve
Earth’s resources.
Reusing: Reusing products helps the environment because it reduces the amount of waste we produce. Wastes can cause
pollution and other environmental problems.
Recycling: Recycling products protects the environment because it reduces both the amount of energy and other resources
required to make products and reduces the amount of waste we produce.
5.
Explain in your own words the meaning of “sustainability.”
The sustainability of a process describes whether the process can continue to occur in its current state without depleting
resources.
6.
Define “succession” in your own words.
Succession is the gradual change in the communities that exist in an ecosystem.
9.
Why is biodiversity so important to healthy ecosystems?
The more organisms that live in an ecosystem, the higher the ecosystem’s biodiversity. In general, ecosystems with high
biodiversity (a large number of different kinds of organisms) are better able to survive stresses, such as floods and disease ,
without collapsing.
12.
Why has the expansion of urban centres become a concern?
Expanding urban centres by building homes, stores, and infrastructure such as roads and sewer systems results in the loss of
habitats for local wildlife. This causes a reduction in biodiversity, as animals and plants die or leave the area. Fewer trees can
also result in the erosion of soil, further depleting nutrients and biodiversity in the area. Larger urban centres also produce
more pollution in a smaller, more concentrated area, which increases ecosystem damage. Automobiles and other vehicles create
smog and other air pollution, and trash can run off into water bodies. More people require more food and water, which puts a
greater stress on local water systems and farmers, who may decide to use toxic pesticides or fertilizers in order to grow more
crops.
13.
List some of the ways that we can protect our natural habitats from invasive species.
Learn to identify and report invasive species, prevent invasive species from entering ecosystems, and find ways to eliminate
invasive species in ecosystems can all help protect natural habitats from invasive species.
Unit B - Unit Review (pg. 170 – 173)
Name: __________________________
1.
Date: ________________________
The essential abiotic elements of an ecosystem are: sunlight, air, water, nutrients, and a livable temperature range.
2.
A habitat is the environment where an organism lives. An ecosystem is the network of interactions linking the living and nonliving parts of an environment.
4.
Temperature is one of the main factors that determine which organisms can live in a particular environment. If it is very hot or
very cold, only a few highly specialized organisms can survive. It the temperature range is more moderate, a wide variety of organisms
can flourish.
6.
a) An apple tree is a producer. The humans who eat the tree’s apples are consumers.
b)
Producers
Consumers
1 They can make their own food using abiotic elements in their environment
They get their food by eating other organisms
2 They take in carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen
They take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide
3 They are the first ling in a food chain
They are not the first links in a food chain
7.
phytoplankton
Producer
shrimp
fish
human
Primary Consumer
Secondary Consumer
Tertiary Consumer
8. The amount of sunlight that an area receives limits the number of plants that can grow. Similarly, the number of plants in an area
limits the number of consumers, since there is a limited supply of food for the herbivores, which in turn limits the number of carnivores
that prey on the herbivores.
9. Decomposers such as bacteria break down organic matter from deal plants and animals releasing nutrients such as minerals, nitrates,
and phosphates into the soil, making them available for living plants to take in.
10. The water and carbon cycles interact at photosynthesis as plants use water and carbon dioxide to produce their food.

In the carbon cycle, plants take in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere/ they release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere
directly when they decompose and indirectly when they are eaten by animals; animals release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere when
they decompose and also when they exhale. Some decomposing plants and animals are buried underground over long periods of time
become fossil fuels that humans burn to produce energy; burning fossil fuels release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere.

In the water cycle, the Sun causes water to evaporate from water bodies. The resulting water vapour travels into the atmosphere,
where it cools and condenses into clouds and eventually falls back to Earth as precipitation. Some of the precipitation travels by surface
runoff from the land to water bodies, where it evaporated once more. Some water seeps underground, where it is stored as groundwater
until it gradually seeps back into the ocean.
12. Plants are responsible for converting the energy from sunlight into the energy stored in sugars. The plants are eaten by primary
consumers. The primary consumers are then eaten by secondary and tertiary consumers, and in this way energy is passed from the Sun
throughout the ecosystem. Plants also remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, which animals need to survive.
14. In a closed system, the amount of matter remains the same over time. On Earth, for example, the numbers of atoms of carbon,
oxygen, hydrogen, and the other elements has neither increased nor decreased (with the exception of meteorites bringing some new
matter to Earth from space). Matter is simply recycled.
17. Without detrivores such as earthworms, dead plants and other matter would not be broken down into smaller pieces. The dead
matter would piled up, taking up space needed by living organisms, and the nutrients in the dead matter not be released back into the
soil. Without fresh supplies of nutrients, living plants would soon die, affecting most food chains.
22. Because Traditional Knowledge includes the practices of people who have lived sustainable lifestyles for many generations, it can
teach us strategies for conserving resources and preserving the environment. Technology can then be used to transmit this knowledge to
large numbers of people. Traditional Knowledge can also be implemented into technology, producing machines and practices that are
less disruptive to the ecosystems in which they are used.
Student Success Workbook – Chapter 6
6.1 The Dynamics of Nature: Succession: Pg.111
1. Explain Succession in your own words.
Succession is when the types of organisms in an ecosystem change over time.
2. What is the difference between primary and secondary succession?
Primary succession happens in areas where no organisms lived before. Secondary succession happens after something (humans
or nature) disturbs an existing community…
3. How can humans interfere with succession?
Humans often replace complex ecosystems with simple ecosystems. These ecosystems support fewer organisms…
6.2 Human Impact on Ecosystems: Pg.117
Biodiversity is the variety of organisms in Earth’s ecosystem.
1.
Explain biodiversity in your own words.
2.
What are some things that cause habitat loss? Humans clean land to build roads and stores. Humans farm and mine land.
3.
How do invasive species harm ecosystems?
Invasive species have few natural predators, so they can push out native species from an ecosystem.
4.
Key Question: How are habitat loss and biodiversity connected?
When humans cause habitat loss, organisms in the area die or move away. There are fewer species in the ecosystem, so the
biodiversity of the ecosystem decreases.
6.4 Identify Examples of Stewardship: Pg. 123 & 124
Page 123:
1.
What is an ecological footprint?
An ecological footprint measures the amount of Earth’s resources a person uses.
2.
a) What does it mean to be a “steward?”
A steward carefully manages a resource.
b) What are some things that stewards of the environment do? They learn about environmental issues and make choices
that help the environment. They also tell others how to help the environment.
3.
Why do people preserve some areas of land?
People preserve land so that humans cannot harm it. Preserving land protects biodiversity.
4.
Key Question: How can humans help conserve resources? Give two examples.
Humans can reduce, reuse, and recycle. (Ex. we can reuse items, such as boxes. We can also put food waste in a composer.)
Page 124: Read the sentences below. Decide whether each situation describes: preservation, conservation, or restoration.
a)
c)
d)
e)
f)
A garden club plants trees for birds that lost their habitat.
A provincial law says that humans cannot build houses next to a wetland environment.
Students put food waste from lunch into a compost bin.
A family adds many native plants species to their garden to increase its biodiversity.
A farmer uses compost instead of chemical fertilizers.
1.
What is Traditional Knowledge?
2.
How do Aboriginal peoples pass Traditional Knowledge on to new generations?
Restoration
Preservation
Conservation
Restoration
Conservation
6.5 Traditional Knowledge and Stewardship of Earth: Pg.127
Traditional Knowledge is the ideas, customs, and experiences of Aboriginal peoples.
Through songs, stories, poems, and laws.
4. Key Question: How can people use Traditional Knowledge? People can learn how to take care of the environment and use
resources wisely.
Unit B: Interactions Within Ecosystems
Grade 7 Quiz – Chapter 4: Healthy Ecosystems
Name (s): _____________________________________________
Date: ___________________
Parents Signature: _____________________________________
Mark: _________ =
50
%
A) True/False: (7 Marks)
Indicate whether each statement is true or false. If the statement is false, change the statement to make it true.
1. __F__ A community is all of the organisms of a particular species that live in an area.
A community is all of the population that live in an area (OR is all of the organisms of a particular species that live in an
area)
2. __F__ Mutualism is a relationship between two species in which one species benefits and the other is harmed.
Mutualism is a relationship between two species in which both species benefit (OR predator-prey is …..etc)
3. __T_ Abiotic elements of an ecosystem include air, water, and sunlight.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
4. F A Population is made of members of different species.
A population is made of members of same species (OR a community is made of members of different species)
5. F Organisms are biotic because they are non-living things.
Organisms are biotic because they are living things (OR organisms are abiotic because the are non-living..)
6. F One advantage of fertilizers is that they can protect crops from insects.
One advantage of fertilizers is that they can protect crops from insects (OR one adv. Of pesticides is to…)
7. T One disadvantage of pesticides is that they can pollute the soil and water.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
B. Fill in the blanks: (10 Marks)
Using the spaces provided, select the word that best fits the description. Answers may be used only once.
abiotic
species
population
biome
biosphere
community
organism
ecosystem
biotic
habitat
1.
Biotic
all the effects caused by living things.
2.
Abiotic
all the non-living physical factors which influence living things.
3.
Organism
a single living thing
4.
Species
all of the organisms that can interbreed under natural conditions to produce fertile offspring.
5.
Population
the number of organisms of the same species living in a community.
6.
Habitat
the place in an environment where an organism lives.
7.
Community all the living things found in the school grounds.
8.
Ecosystem
a system of living things which interact with each other and with the physical world.
9.
Biome
the related ecosystems which share the same climate.
10.
Biosphere
all of the Earth’s biomes, when considered together.
C) Completion: Answer the following questions by writing in the space provided. (10 Marks)
1. Every ecosystem is made up of biotic, or living elements, and abiotic, or non-living elements.
2. An organism’s habitat is the environment in which the organism lives.
3. The general term given to all of the populations of organisms within an ecosystem is called a community.
4. Organisms use food as a source of nutrients.
5. Many snakes and lizards use sunlight to warm their bodies.
6. Animals use water to digest food and form body fluids.
7. Plants use carbon dioxide from the air to make food.
8. Brook trout have an ideal temperature between 4 oC and 20 oC.
9. Mutualism is an interaction between individuals of different species that benefits both individuals.
D. Multiple Choices: Select the letter of the item that correctly represents each statement: (10 Marks)
1.
_ c__
What are the basic needs of living things?
a) Food, clothing, water, oxygen
c) Air, water, food, sunlight
2.
_ d_
a)
b)
c)
d)
3.
b) Water, shelter, forests, temperature
d) Shelter, food, oxygen, minerals
Ecology is the study of:
The relationship between living things and their environment
The interactions between biotic and abiotic parts of the environment
The interactions between organisms and the places where they live
All of the above
_b_
The biotic components of a landfill ecosystem include:
a) Temperature, beetles, mould
c) Bacteria, oxygen, mice
b) earthworms, bacteria, millipedes
d) Centipedes, scavenger beetles, garbage
4. __c__
A scientist is studying abiotic element in an ecosystem. Which of the following abiotic elements
was most likely added to the ecosystem by humans?
a) Oxygen in the air
c) Toxic metals in the soil
5. __b__
a)
b)
c)
d)
b) water in a stream
d) rocks under the ground
Which of these situations is the best example of mutualism?
two pigeons fighting over a piece of garbage
a guard dog protecting the people who feed it
bacteria making a person sick when they enter a cut and multiply
an earthworm breaking soil apart as it eats the remains of plants and animals.
6. __d__
A group of similar organisms that can mate and reproduce more of the same type of organism.
a) population
b) organism
c) community
d) species
7. __a__
A group of organisms of the same species in a given area.
a) population
b) organism
c) community
d) species
8. __c__
A group of populations of different species in a given area
a) population
b) organism
c) community
d) species
9. __b__
Occurs when more than one organism tries to obtain the same basic resources in the same habitat.
a) mutualism
b) competition
c) predation
d) ecosystem
10. __a__
An interaction between individuals of different species that benefits both individuals.
a) mutualism
b) competition
c) predation
d) ecosystem
E) Q & A: Answer the following questions: (13 Marks)
1. What is the difference between a predator and a prey?
Predator:
Prey:
An animal that hunts other living things for food.
An animal that is hunted by a predator.
2. Explain why sunlight is a basic need for both plants and animals. (Give two reasons)
a) Plants need light energy to make their own food. The sun’s energy is passed along to animals when they
eat plants or other animals that have eaten plants.
b) Animals and plants also need the sun to keep Earth at an ideal temperature.
3. Explain how competition affects the number of organisms that can live in a habitat.
The number of organisms that can live in a habitat depends on the amount of resources in the area.
Organisms have to compete for the same resources. When the resources are limited, some organisms die or
move to another area.
4. The desert is an environment with very little water. How does this affect the types of organisms that can live
there?
Only organisms that need a small supply of water could live in a desert. Organisms that need a large
supply of water could not survive.
5. How do animals get energy from sunlight?
Some animals eats plants, which have already used sunlight to make food.
6. Name two ways that plants affect human survival.
Plants help humans survive by:
a) Producing oxygen which we need to breathe,
b) Providing us with food
7) What are the five basic needs of all living things?
Sunlight, air, water, food, and ideal temperature.
8) How do organisms that live in water get the gases they need?
Water has dissolved gases (O2 and CO2). Most plants and animals that live in water absorb these gases
from the water.