Download Ecosystems

Ecosystems
Grade 7 Science
Learning Goals:
 To demonstrate an understanding of what an
ecosystem is.
 Identify biotic and abiotic elements in an ecosystem.
 Construct a model ecosystem, and use it to investigate
interactions.
Ecosystem
 An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals
that interact in the same area.
 An ecosystem contains both living and non-living
things.
Abiotic vs. Biotic
 Biotic elements are LIVING things in an ecosystem.
 Eg. Plants and Animals
 Abiotic elements are NON-LIVING things in an
ecosystem.
 Eg. Sunlight, Air, Rain, Snow, Rocks, Water
 Abiotic elements influence what biotic elements can
survive in certain areas.
Living Parts of an
Ecosystem
Organisms
Species
Population
Community
 Organism: A living thing.
 Species: A groups of similar organisms that can mate
and reproduce more of the same type of organism.
 Population: A group of organisms of the same species
in a given area.
 Community: A group of populations of different
species in a given area.
Needs of Living Things
 What are some things that all living things need?
Needs of Living Things
 What are some things that all living things need?
 Habitat
 Sunlight
 Air
 Water
 Food
 Ideal Temperature Range
Thinking…
 Why can’t kangaroo’s live in Canada?
Because Kangaroo’s (like
many other animals), need
an ideal temperature range
to survive. Australia’s
climate suits the kangaroo.
Canada is far too cold.
Make Your Own
Ecosystem
 In small groups, you will create your own ecosystem in a pop
bottle.
 Materials:

Pop bottle

Scissors

Gravel

Potting Soil

Small Plant

Seeds

Water

Bugs, Insects, etc. (optional)