Chapter 3 : Ecosystems: What are they and how do they Work?

Reading Guide, 1 6 th edition

Directions: Identify the following. Be as specific as possible, and include names, dates, and relevant facts as appropriate. Be sure to explain the significance of the term. In your own words please! You must write at least three sentences per ID or question.

Core Case Study: Tropical Rain Forests are disappearing

Read this core case study. Why are rainforests disappearing? Why is this a problem (there are many reasons)?

3 .1: What is Ecology ?

a) Species : EXAMPLE: A species is a group of organisms that coexist. A species can be created through mutations and separation of populations over time. To be considered the same species, you must be able to breed and create viable offspring. An example of a species is the human species , Homo sapiens. And, the singular and plural versions of this word are both species. There is no such thing as specie.

b) Population

c) Ecosystem

Question 1: Your friend Bill just invented a chemical that kills all insects on this Earth (pg 54). Using scientific evidence, convince your friend Bill that insects are essential to life on this Earth. Give at least 3 pieces of evidence.

3 .2 Earth’s Life-Support Systems

d) Earth’s four spheres (Figure 3-6) :

Question 2: In a very famous episode of the Simpsons, Mr. Burns invents a machine that completely blocks out the sun from reaching Springfield. Describe at least three effects that would occur if the Sun no longer reached Earth.

3 .3 Major Components of Ecosystem

e) Biome

f) Limiting Factor Principle

g) Aerobic vs Anaerobic Respiration

Question 3: Your sister Sally just bought a clownfish from the pet store. Clownfish require warm salt water and regular feedings of plankton. Your sister set up the aquarium to a nice, warm 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because you were upset with your sister, you decided to dump a bucket full of ice-cold water into the aquarium. The clownfish immediately died, and your sister then cried. What scientific principle was observed from this example? Explain. (Pg 57 may help).

3.4 What Happens to Energy in Ecosystems ?

Question 4: Imagine a world without microbes. How would our world be different? (Use Science Focus pg 61 for help)

i) Gross Primary Productivity vs. Net Primary Productivity

Question 5: Americans are born consumers. When we are born, we are programmed to ingest and use as many things as possible. If our human population continues to grow, what might happen to the productivity of our forests and grasslands? What are 2 ways to prevent this from happening?

3.5 What Happens to Matter Cycling in an Ecosystem ?

Question 6 : Make a list of food you ate for lunch or dinner today. Trace each type of food back to a particular producer species.

Last Thing:

Go to tube.com/watch?v=RBOsqmBQBQk .Watch Crash Course: The Texas Mosquito Mystery

Assignment: How does Hank use the mosquito to describe ecological concepts? Describe the ecology of the mosquito using the words above. Every time you use one of the words above, underline the word. You must use all of the words listed.

Words You Must Use:

Population Births and Deaths Immigration and Emigration

Fecundity Limiting Factors Density Dependent vs Density Independent

Exponential vs Logistic Growth Carrying capacity