1. Ecosystems
Grade 7 Science

2. Learning Goals:
To demonstrate an understanding of what an ecosystem is.
Identify biotic and abiotic elements in an ecosystem.
Construct a model ecosystem, and use it to investigate interactions.

3. Ecosystem
An ecosystem is a community of plants and animals that interact in the same area.
An ecosystem contains both living and non-living things.

4. Abiotic vs. Biotic Biotic elements are LIVING things in an ecosystem.
Eg. Plants and Animals
Abiotic elements are NON-LIVING things in an ecosystem.
Eg. Sunlight, Air, Rain, Snow, Rocks, Water
Abiotic elements influence what biotic elements can survive in certain areas.

5. Living Parts of an Ecosystem
Organisms
Species
Population
Community

6. Organism: A living thing.
Species: A groups of similar organisms that can mate and reproduce more of the same type of organism.
Population: A group of organisms of the same species in a given area.
Community: A group of populations of different species in a given area.

7. Needs of Living Things
What are some things that all living things need?

8. Needs of Living Things
What are some things that all living things need?
Habitat
Sunlight
Air
Water
Food
Ideal Temperature Range

9. Thinking… Why can’t kangaroo’s live in Canada?
Because Kangaroo’s (like many other animals), need an ideal temperature range to survive. Australia’s climate suits the kangaroo. Canada is far too cold.

10. Make Your Own Ecosystem
In small groups, you will create your own ecosystem in a pop bottle.
Materials:
Pop bottle
Scissors
Gravel
Potting Soil
Small Plant
Seeds
Water
Bugs, Insects, etc. (optional)