What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a complex network of interactions between living and non-living components within a particular area. It includes plants, animals, microorganisms, water, soil, and air.
Components of an ecosystem
- Abiotic factors: Non-living components such as soil, water, sunlight, temperature, and air.
- Biotic factors: Living organisms including plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms.
Types of ecosystems
Ecosystems can be classified into various types such as terrestrial ecosystems (forests, grasslands) and aquatic ecosystems (ponds, oceans).
Roles within an ecosystem
- Producers: Organisms such as plants that produce their own food through photosynthesis.
- Consumers: Organisms that consume other organisms for energy, such as herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores.
- Decomposers: Organisms such as bacteria and fungi that break down dead organisms and organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil.
Energy flow and nutrient cycling
Energy flows through an ecosystem from producers to consumers and decomposers. Nutrients are cycled through the ecosystem as they are used and recycled by various organisms.
Human impact on ecosystems
Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change can have a significant impact on ecosystems, leading to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
[Ecosystem] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:
.◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Kindergarten. Our Earth
Coloring Worksheet
Changes to Earth's Surface 
Coloring Worksheet
Changes to Earth's Surface Coloring Worksheet
Earth's Resources Coloring Worksheet
Earth's Resources Coloring Worksheet
Landforms Coloring Worksheet
Landforms Coloring Worksheet
Our Earth Coloring Worksheet
Our Earth Coloring Worksheet
Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Coloring Worksheet
Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Coloring Worksheet
Rocks Coloring Worksheet
Rocks Coloring Worksheet
Soil Beneath Our Feet Coloring Worksheet
Soil Beneath Our Feet Coloring Worksheet
Types of Fossils Coloring Worksheet
Types of Fossils Coloring Worksheet
Uses of Rocks & Minerals Coloring Worksheet
Uses of Rocks & Minerals Coloring Worksheet
Water, Water Everywhere Coloring Worksheet
Water, Water Everywhere
Coloring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetColoring WorksheetThe resources above cover the following skills:
EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE (NGSS)
Earth and Human Activity
Students who demonstrate understanding can:
Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.