Question 1: Define the term 'ecosystem'. Include at least two key components that make up an ecosystem.

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

Question 2: Describe how temperature and rainfall influence the type of vegetation found in a rainforest ecosystem.

Answer: High temperatures and abundant rainfall create a warm, moist environment that supports lush, dense vegetation such as tall trees, vines, and a variety of plants adapted to wet conditions.

Question 3: Explain the difference between a producer and a consumer within an ecosystem. Provide one example of each.

Answer: Producers are organisms, mainly plants, that produce their own food through photosynthesis, such as a grass plant. Consumers are organisms that eat other organisms, such as a deer that feeds on plants.

Question 4: Identify and explain two ways in which human activities can threaten ecosystems.

Answer: Human activities such as deforestation remove trees and habitat for wildlife, leading to loss of biodiversity. Pollution can contaminate water and soil, harming plants and animals and disrupting ecological balance.

Question 5: Describe the process of succession in an ecosystem, using a simple example.

Answer: Succession is the gradual change in the species composition of an ecosystem over time. For example, after a volcanic eruption, bare lava rocks are gradually colonized by pioneer plants, which are replaced over time by shrubs and eventually mature forests.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram of a woodland ecosystem. Label at least three different components, such as a type of plant, an animal, and a non-living element.

Answer: A correct sketch would show a tree (plant), a squirrel (animal), and soil or sunlight (non-living element), with clear labels for each.

Question 7: Identify two adaptations that plants in the desert ecosystem have developed to survive in dry conditions.

Answer: Plants in deserts often have deep root systems to access underground water and thick, waxy coatings on leaves to reduce water loss, such as in cacti.

Question 8: Explain the concept of biodiversity and why it is important for ecosystems.

Answer: Biodiversity refers to the variety of living organisms within an ecosystem. It is important because it increases resilience to environmental changes, supports ecosystem services, and ensures stability and health of the environment.

Question 9: Choose a type of aquatic ecosystem (e.g., pond, river, ocean) and describe two features that are typical for that ecosystem.

Answer: In a pond, typical features include still water and aquatic plants like lilies. In a river, features include flowing water and a variety of fish species.

Question 10: Draw a food chain that includes a producer, a herbivore, and a carnivore. Use a large blank space for your drawing.

Answer: A correct food chain could show a grass (producer), a rabbit (herbivore) feeding on grass, and a fox (carnivore) feeding on the rabbit.