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

Answer: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their non-living environment in a specific area. Its key components include the flora (plants), fauna (animals), climate, soil, water, and nutrients.

Question 2: Describe how a rainforest ecosystem differs from a desert ecosystem in terms of climate and plant life.

Answer: A rainforest has a hot, humid climate with high rainfall, supporting dense, tall vegetation and a wide variety of plant and animal species. In contrast, a desert has low rainfall, extreme temperatures, sparse vegetation, and plants adapted to conserve water, such as cacti.

Question 3: Identify three animals that are typically found in a grassland ecosystem and describe one adaptation that helps each survive there.

Answer: 1. Bison – adaptation: large body size to conserve heat. 2. Gazelles – adaptation: fast running to escape predators. 3. Prairie dogs – adaptation: burrowing to avoid predators and extreme weather.

Question 4: Explain the role of producers, consumers, and decomposers within an ecosystem.

Answer: Producers, like plants, create energy through photosynthesis. Consumers, such as herbivores and carnivores, feed on other organisms to obtain energy. Decomposers, like fungi and bacteria, break down dead organic matter, recycling nutrients back into the soil.

Question 5: Describe what happens to an ecosystem if a key species, such as a top predator, is removed.

Answer: Removing a top predator can cause an imbalance, leading to an overabundance of prey species. This can result in overgrazing or overuse of resources, which may negatively affect other species and disrupt the ecological balance.

Question 6: Sketch a simple food chain that includes a producer, herbivore, and carnivore. Label each part.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a plant (producer), an herbivore such as a rabbit (consumer), and a carnivore like a fox (top predator). Each should be clearly labeled and connected with arrows indicating the flow of energy.

Question 7: Explain how human activities can threaten ecosystems, giving two specific examples.

Answer: Human activities such as deforestation remove trees and habitat, threatening species survival. Pollution from factories can contaminate water and soil, harming plants and animals and disrupting ecosystems.

Question 8: Identify two ways in which ecosystems can be protected and preserved.

Answer: Ecosystems can be protected through conservation areas or national parks, and by reducing pollution and sustainable resource management practices.

Question 9: Describe what a 'biodiversity hotspot' is and why it is important for ecosystems.

Answer: A biodiversity hotspot is a region with a high level of species richness and endemism that is under significant threat from human activities. Protecting these areas helps preserve a wide variety of species and maintains ecosystem health.

Question 10: Draw a diagram illustrating the water cycle within an ecosystem. Include at least four key processes/processes.

Answer: A correct diagram should include processes such as evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and runoff or infiltration, showing how water moves through the ecosystem.