Ecosystems
Activities
To be able to understand 'coastal ecosystems' we need to understand the concept of ecosystems and the interdependence of species and their environment.
Definitions
- Ecosystem
- Biotic
- Abiotic
An ecosystem is a natural unit in which the life-cycle of plants, animals and other organisms are linked to each other and to the non-living constituents of the environment to form a natural system. Source: Geography An Integrated Approach Third Edition: An Integrated Approach (Geography S.)
Biotic - Of, pertaining to, or produced by life or living organisms. Source: Wiktionary
Abiotic - Non-living. Source: Wiktionary

Pond ecosystem concept map

- Print the 'Pond Ecosystems Concept Map' pdf file.
- Cut out the information slips.
- Onto an A2 piece of paper draw the cross section of a pond. The water level needs to be about one third of the way down the landscape sheet. The cross section should show the bottom of the pond and one pond bank.
- Stick the information slips in appropriate places on your pond cross section.
- Highlight all the biotic components in one colour and all the abiotic components in another.
- Link the information slips together as is suggested by the 'links' information on each slip.
- Write an explanation for each links - onto each link as you make them.
Review
What would the following incidents have upon the pond ecosystem?
- An increase in the number of herons.
- The willow tree being blown down in a storm.
- Fertilizer getting washed into the pond from the surrounding farmland.
- An increase in the number of sticklebacks.
- A drought.
- An increase in the number of zooplankton.