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Local Ecosystem Components

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Local Ecosystem Components

Read the investigation, then use the evidence to solve the questions. An ecosystem includes living things and non-living parts that interact. Give reasons using details from the investigation where you can.

Investigation: Creekside after rain

Evie and Talia observe a small bushland creek in south-eastern Australia after a shower. The creek water runs over rocks and into damp soil. Sunlight reaches the grasses and eucalypts along the bank. The plants take in water and nutrients from the soil and make their own food using sunlight. A honeyeater feeds on nectar, while an insect chews a leaf. Fallen leaves collect on the ground. Fungi and tiny soil organisms break them down, returning nutrients to the soil. The creek provides water and habitat, but muddy water after heavy rain could smother small water plants. A patch of bare soil beside the path suggests people may be trampling vegetation.

1.Which statement best describes an ecosystem, using the creekside investigation as an example?

Only the plants and animals living beside the creek
Living things interacting with each other and with non-living parts such as water, soil and sunlight
All the rocks and water, without living things
A list of organisms found in one place

2.From the investigation, identify one producer, one consumer and one decomposer. Explain the role of each.

3.Complete the connection: plants take in and nutrients from , and use to make their own food.

4.The investigation says fallen leaves are broken down by fungi and tiny soil organisms. What happens to nutrients when this occurs, and how can plants benefit?

5.After heavy rain, muddy water flows into the creek. Predict one possible effect on a living thing in this ecosystem and explain why.

6.True or false? Soil is only a place for plants to anchor their roots and has no other ecosystem role. Correct the statement if it is false.

TrueFalse

7.The bare patch beside the path may show that people are trampling vegetation. Suggest one practical action to reduce this impact and explain how it could help.

8.Match each ecosystem component to its role in the investigation.

Sunlight
Creek water
Honeyeater
Fungi

Non-living part that provides water and habitat
Decomposer that breaks down dead leaves
Consumer that feeds on nectar
Energy source plants use to make food

9.Make a simple labelled model of one connection in the creekside ecosystem. Include at least two living things and one non-living component, and use arrows to show how they are connected.

10.First Nations Australians have detailed knowledge of Country built over many generations. Give one respectful way a student could learn from First Nations knowledge when investigating a local ecosystem.