Question 1: Define an ecosystem and describe its main components.

Answer: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their non-living environment within a specific area. Its main components include biotic factors (plants, animals, microorganisms) and abiotic factors (climate, soil, water).

Question 2: Explain how climate influences the type of ecosystem found in a region.

Answer: Climate determines temperature, rainfall, and sunlight levels, which affect the types of plants and animals that can survive there. For example, tropical rainforests require warm temperatures and high rainfall, whereas deserts are characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures.

Question 3: Identify and describe the characteristics of a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Answer: A tropical rainforest ecosystem is characterized by high temperatures, abundant rainfall, dense vegetation, a variety of plant and animal species, and multiple canopy layers that create a complex habitat.

Question 4: Describe the process of succession in an ecosystem.

Answer: Succession is the natural, gradual process by which ecosystems change and develop over time. It typically begins with pioneer species colonizing a bare area, followed by the growth of more complex plant and animal communities until a stable climax community is established.

Question 5: Explain the impact of deforestation on a tropical rainforest ecosystem.

Answer: Deforestation destroys habitats, reduces biodiversity, disrupts water cycles, and contributes to climate change. It also leads to soil erosion and the loss of vital resources for local communities.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram of a mountain ecosystem, labeling the main zones from base to summit.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a mountain profile with at least three zones: the montane zone at the base, the subalpine zone in the middle, and the alpine zone at the summit, each with distinct vegetation types.

Question 7: Describe how human activities can threaten the sustainability of ecosystems.

Answer: Human activities such as deforestation, pollution, urbanization, and overfishing can degrade ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, disrupt food chains, and deplete natural resources, making ecosystems less sustainable.

Question 8: Explain the role of producers, consumers, and decomposers within an ecosystem.

Answer: Producers (plants) create energy through photosynthesis, consumers (animals) eat plants or other animals for energy, and decomposers (fungi, bacteria) break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the environment.

Question 9: Discuss how climate change might affect a coral reef ecosystem.

Answer: Climate change can lead to increased sea temperatures and ocean acidification, causing coral bleaching, reducing biodiversity, and disrupting the food web. It also increases the frequency of storms that can physically damage reefs.

Question 10: Draw a diagram of a woodland ecosystem, including at least three different plant or animal species and their interactions.

Answer: A correct diagram would depict a woodland with trees, shrubs, and ground plants, along with animals such as insects, birds, and mammals. Arrows or labels should indicate relationships like predator-prey or pollination.