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Chapter 3: Ecosystems: What are they and how do they Work?
Reading Guide, 16th edition
Directions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate.
Be sure to explain the significance of the term. In your own words please! You must write at least three sentences per ID
or question.
Core Case Study: Tropical Rain Forests are disappearing
Read this core case study. Why are rainforests disappearing? Why is this a problem (there are many reasons)?
3.1: What is Ecology?
a) Species: EXAMPLE: A species is a group of organisms that coexist. A species can be created through
mutations and separation of populations over time. To be considered the same species, you must be able
to breed and create viable offspring. An example of a species is the human species, Homo sapiens. And,
the singular and plural versions of this word are both species. There is no such thing as specie.
b) Population
c) Ecosystem
Question 1: Your friend Bill just invented a chemical that kills all insects on this Earth (pg 54). Using scientific evidence,
convince your friend Bill that insects are essential to life on this Earth. Give at least 3 pieces of evidence.
3.2 Earth’s Life-Support Systems
d) Earth’s four spheres (Figure 3-6):
Question 2: In a very famous episode of the Simpsons, Mr. Burns invents a machine that completely blocks out the sun
from reaching Springfield. Describe at least three effects that would occur if the Sun no longer reached Earth.
3.3 Major Components of Ecosystem
e) Biome
f) Limiting Factor Principle
g) Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration
Question 3: Your sister Sally just bought a clownfish from the pet store. Clownfish require warm salt water and regular
feedings of plankton. Your sister set up the aquarium to a nice, warm 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because you were upset
with your sister, you decided to dump a bucket full of ice-cold water into the aquarium. The clownfish immediately died,
and your sister then cried. What scientific principle was observed from this example? Explain. (Pg 57 may help).
3.4 What Happens to Energy in Ecosystems?
Question 4: Imagine a world without microbes. How would our world be different? (Use Science Focus pg 61 for help)
i) Gross Primary Productivity vs. Net Primary Productivity
Question 5: Americans are born consumers. When we are born, we are programmed to ingest and use as many things
as possible. If our human population continues to grow, what might happen to the productivity of our forests and
grasslands? What are 2 ways to prevent this from happening?
3.5 What Happens to Matter Cycling in an Ecosystem ?
Question 6: Make a list of food you ate for lunch or dinner today. Trace each type of food back to a particular producer
species.
Last Thing:
Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBOsqmBQBQk .Watch Crash Course: The Texas Mosquito Mystery
Assignment: How does Hank use the mosquito to describe ecological concepts? Describe the ecology of the mosquito
using the words above. Every time you use one of the words above, underline the word. You must use all of the words
listed.
Words You Must Use:
Population
Births and Deaths
Fecundity
Limiting Factors
Exponential vs Logistic Growth Carrying capacity
Immigration and Emigration
Density Dependent vs Density Independent