Question 1: Define the term 'ecosystem' and explain its main components.

Answer: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and with their non-living environment within a specific area. Its main components include producers (plants), consumers (animals), decomposers (fungi and bacteria), and the physical environment (soil, water, climate).

Question 2: Describe how sunlight and temperature influence the distribution of different ecosystems.

Answer: Sunlight and temperature affect the types of plants and animals that can survive in an area. For example, tropical rainforests require high temperatures and abundant sunlight, while tundras have low temperatures and limited sunlight, leading to different ecosystems in these areas.

Question 3: Identify and briefly describe three different types of terrestrial ecosystems.

Answer: 1. Tropical rainforest: Warm, humid climate with dense vegetation and high biodiversity. 2. Desert: Hot, dry environment with sparse vegetation adapted to conserve water. 3. Temperate deciduous forest: Moderate climate with four seasons and trees that shed leaves annually.

Question 4: Explain the role of producers in an ecosystem and give two examples.

Answer: Producers are organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food chain. Examples include grass and oak trees.

Question 5: Describe the process of energy flow in an ecosystem, starting from the Sun.

Answer: Energy from the Sun is captured by producers through photosynthesis. This energy is transferred to consumers when they eat producers or other animals. Decomposers break down dead organisms, recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Question 6: Sketch a simple food chain involving a grass plant, a grasshopper, a frog, and a hawk. Label each organism and indicate the flow of energy with arrows.

Answer: A correct sketch would show the grass plant at the start with an arrow pointing to the grasshopper, then an arrow from the grasshopper to the frog, and finally an arrow from the frog to the hawk. Each arrow indicates the transfer of energy.

Question 7: What is biodiversity, and why is it important for ecosystems?

Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms within an ecosystem. It is important because it ensures ecosystem stability, resilience to environmental changes, and provides resources for humans.

Question 8: Identify two human activities that threaten ecosystems and briefly explain their impact.

Answer: Deforestation: Leads to habitat loss and decreased biodiversity. Pollution: Contaminates water and soil, harming plants and animals.

Question 9: Draw a diagram of a simple freshwater ecosystem, including at least three different organisms and their environment. Label each part.

Answer: A correct diagram would show a pond with a fish, aquatic plants, and insects. The pond environment should include water, and each organism should be labeled accordingly.

Question 10: Explain how climate change can affect a tundra ecosystem.

Answer: Climate change causes rising temperatures, which can lead to permafrost melting, shifts in plant and animal species, and a reduction in the extent of the tundra ecosystem.

Question 11: Describe one example of an ecosystem restoration project and its purpose.

Answer: The reforestation of degraded forest areas aims to restore biodiversity, stabilize soil, and improve habitats for wildlife.