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

Answer: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals, microorganisms) interacting with their non-living environment (such as air, water, soil). Its main components include producers (plants), consumers (animals), decomposers (fungi, bacteria), and the physical environment.

Question 2: Describe the main differences between a tropical rainforest and a desert ecosystem.

Answer: A tropical rainforest has high rainfall, warm temperatures all year, dense vegetation, and a high diversity of species. A desert has very low rainfall, extreme temperature variations, sparse vegetation, and fewer animal and plant species adapted to dry conditions.

Question 3: Explain how climate influences the types of plants and animals found in an ecosystem.

Answer: Climate determines temperature, rainfall, and seasonal patterns, which affect the types of plants that can grow and the animals that can survive. For example, rainforests have plants adapted to high moisture, while deserts have drought-resistant plants.

Question 4: Identify and describe two abiotic (non-living) factors that are important in an ecosystem.

Answer: Two abiotic factors are sunlight, which provides energy for plants, and soil quality, which affects plant growth. Temperature and water availability are also important abiotic factors.

Question 5: Describe how human activity can impact a forest ecosystem.

Answer: Human activities such as deforestation, agriculture, and urban development can destroy habitats, reduce biodiversity, and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. This can lead to loss of species and changes in the natural environment.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram to show the flow of energy in a food chain within a forest ecosystem. Label the producer, primary consumer, and secondary consumer.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a producer (a plant) at the bottom, an arrow pointing to a primary consumer (an herbivore like a rabbit), and another arrow pointing to a secondary consumer (a carnivore like a fox).

Question 7: Name two endangered ecosystems and suggest one reason why they are at risk.

Answer: Tropical rainforests and coral reefs are endangered ecosystems. They are at risk due to deforestation, pollution, climate change, and overfishing.

Question 8: Explain what a biodiversity hotspot is and why it is important to protect such areas.

Answer: A biodiversity hotspot is a region that has a high number of plant and animal species, many of which are endangered. Protecting these areas is important because it helps preserve species diversity and ecological stability.

Question 9: Imagine you are monitoring a grassland ecosystem. Describe what types of plants and animals you might observe, and how they are adapted to their environment.

Answer: In a grassland, you might observe grasses, small shrubs, and herbivores like antelopes or insects. Plants are typically drought-resistant and deep-rooted. Animals may have adaptations like camouflage or the ability to migrate during dry seasons.

Question 10: Discuss the role of decomposers in an ecosystem and give two examples.

Answer: Decomposers break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the soil or water, which helps plants grow. Examples include fungi and bacteria.

Question 11: Sketch a diagram of a simple pond ecosystem showing the main components such as water, plants, insects, and fish. Leave plenty of space for your drawing.

Answer: A correct sketch would include a body of water with aquatic plants, insects like water beetles, fish swimming, and perhaps some algae. Labels should identify each component clearly.