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Exploring Ecosystem Components

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Exploring Ecosystem Components

Exploring Ecosystem Components

New Zealand ecosystem illustration

🌿 Part 1: Understanding Ecosystems

1. What is an ecosystem? Write your definition below:
2. Circle the correct answer: Which of these is NOT a component of an ecosystem?

Plants and animals (biotic factors)

Water and soil (abiotic factors)

Plastic toys made in a factory

Sunlight and temperature

3. Fill in the blanks using the words: biotic, abiotic, habitat, interdependence

Living things in an ecosystem are called _____________ factors, while non-living things like rocks and water are called _____________ factors. The place where an organism lives is called its _____________. When living things depend on each other for survival, this is called _____________.

🏞️ Part 2: New Zealand Ecosystems

4. Check all the types of ecosystems that can be found in New Zealand:

Native forest ecosystems

Marine (ocean) ecosystems

Desert ecosystems

Freshwater lake ecosystems

Wetland ecosystems

Urban (city) ecosystems

Mountain ecosystems

5. Match each New Zealand ecosystem with its main characteristics:
1. Kauri Forest
2. Fiordland Marine
3. Canterbury Plains
4. Rotorua Wetlands
A. Saltwater, kelp, fish, seals
B. Tall native trees, ferns, native birds
C. Grasslands, farming, introduced species
D. Water plants, waterfowl, filtering systems

🎨 Part 3: My Local Ecosystem Connection

6. Draw a simple diagram of a local ecosystem you know (your backyard, local park, beach, etc.). Label at least 4 different components:
7. Describe your personal connection to this ecosystem. What lives there? How do things depend on each other? Why is it special to you?

🔍 Part 4: Ecosystem Interactions

8. Give an example of how living things in an ecosystem depend on each other:
9. True or False: Circle your answers

Ecosystems only include living things

True
False

Humans are part of ecosystems

True
False

All ecosystems in New Zealand are exactly the same

True
False

10. List three ways humans can help protect local ecosystems:

1. _________________________________________________

2. _________________________________________________

3. _________________________________________________

💭 Part 5: Reflection

11. What is one new thing you learned about ecosystems today?
12. What is one question you still have about ecosystems?
13. Rate your understanding of ecosystems today:

👍 I understand ecosystems well

👌 I understand some things about ecosystems

👎 I need more help understanding ecosystems

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