Ecosystems

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

pond_ecosystem

1. Print the 'Pond Ecosystems Concept Map' pdf file.
2. Cut out the information slips.
3. 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.
4. Stick the information slips in appropriate places on your pond cross section.
5. Highlight all the biotic components in one colour and all the abiotic components in another.
6. Link the information slips together as is suggested by the 'links' information on each slip.
7. Write an explanation for each links - onto each link as you make them.

What would the following incidents have upon the pond ecosystem?

1. An increase in the number of herons.
2. The willow tree being blown down in a storm.
3. Fertilizer getting washed into the pond from the surrounding farmland.
4. An increase in the number of sticklebacks.
5. A drought.
6. An increase in the number of zooplankton.