Ecosystems

7 th grade Science

1. Area where a river meets the ocean 2. An area that has reached a stable stage of ecological.

3. Foundation of open ocean food chain 4. Gradual changes that occur in the types of species that live in an area Plankton Estuary Ecological Succession Climax Community

5. Average weather pattern in an area over a long period of time 6. Takes place in an area with soil that was once the home of living organisms 7. Large geographic areas with similar climates and ecosystems 8. Development of new communities in newly created land areas without any soil 9. Soil layer below the thawed surface in tundra and taiga biomes Climate Permafrost Biomes Primary Succession Secondary Succession

A _________ biome is a cold, dry area where the sun barely rises during winter.

Tundra

Deserts have all of the following EXCEPT _______.

A.

B.

C.

D.

Little Rainfall Little Wind Soil with little organic matter Few large animals

A.

B.

C.

D.

All of the following are likely areas for secondary succession EXCEPT _______.

Flooded land Exposed coral reefs Abandoned logging areas The land after a forest fire

Grassland biomes have all of the following EXCEPT _______.

A.

B.

C.

D.

Grass for grazing animals Wet Seasons Slight Temperature range Wheat fields

Temperate deciduous forests have all of the following EXCEPT _______.

A.

B.

C.

D.

Poor soil for plants Four seasons Trees that lose leaves in autumn Precipitation throughout the year

What would happen if grazing animals in the tundra became overpopulated?

Plants and other vegetation might become so scarce that many of the grazing animals would die from salvation, upsetting the balance in the ecosystem.

If, over time, a fast-moving stream becomes slow-moving, what changes in plant and animal life might occur?

More animal life would appear because of the slower current.

What might happen to a desert located near a city if it is not protected?

To provide water for a city’s residents, a desert’s rivers and streams might be diverted, and wildlife would move to stay near the water sources. Desert animals might be endangered by traffic and building developments.

What might happen if water from a river were diverted into a pond

The pond would become deeper and much of its plant life would die because less light would reach the bottom. Over time, the pond would become similar to a lake.

What would happen to the animals living in a wetland if it were drained?

Wetland plants and animals would die off, and migrating birds using the wetland as breeding grounds might fail to reproduce.

Describe saltwater and freshwater ecosystems.

Saltwater ecosystems may contain as much as 3.5% salt, whereas freshwater ecosystems have very little salt. Fresh water can flow, as in streams and rivers, or be standing water, as in lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Saltwater ecosystems include open oceans, coral reefs, and estuaries.

Volcano Erupts Lava cools Lava forms new land composed of rock Lichens and the forces of wind and erosion help break down rocks Lichens die and decay Soil Forms Large Plants grow

Cactus Bison Deer Cedars Monkeys Moose Wheat Oaks Polar Bears Kangaroo Rats

 Taiga  Desert  Grassland  Tropical Rain forest  Tundra  Deciduous Forest

Why is it important to preserve wetlands?

Products that come from wetlands, including fish, shellfish, cranberries, and other plants are valuable resources.

How is a desert a climax community?

With ongoing limited rainfall and hot daytime temperature, diversity and balance are maintained.

How is a deciduous forest a climax community?

Diversity and balance are maintained in a deciduous forest because as trees die, they provide nutrients for new communities of species.

A __________________ biome has warm, wet weather throughout the year. The climate allows a large variety of _____________ to live. Different plants and animals live in different _______________ of the ______________, called ____________________, _______________, _________________, and _________________.