ClassX Video Lessons Youtube Channel Smile and Learn English What are ecosystems? Types of Ecosystems for Kids
Today, we’re going to explore the amazing world of ecosystems, learn about what makes them special, and discover the different types you can find on our planet.
An ecosystem is like a big family where all the living things, like plants and animals, live together with the non-living things, like water and soil, in their environment. Ecosystems can be huge, like the Sahara Desert, or small, like a pond in your backyard.
Each ecosystem is unique because the plants and animals have learned to live with the specific conditions around them. These conditions include things like the weather, the type of soil, and the amount of water available. The way these living and non-living things interact helps us understand what kind of ecosystem it is.
An ecosystem is made up of two main parts: the biotope and the biosenosis. The biotope includes all the non-living things, like air, water, and sunlight. The biosenosis is the community of living things, like plants, animals, and tiny microorganisms, that live in that area.
There are two main types of ecosystems: natural and artificial.
Natural ecosystems are those that have developed on their own without any help from humans. They vary because of different climates and resources. For example, polar bears have white fur to blend in with the snowy environment of the North Pole. If these environments change too much, it can harm the plants and animals living there.
Natural ecosystems can be divided into two categories:
Artificial ecosystems are created by humans and don’t occur naturally. Examples include cities (urban ecosystems), farms (agricultural ecosystems), and man-made lakes (reservoir ecosystems).
The interactions between living and non-living things in an ecosystem are crucial for its survival. By taking care of our environment, we help preserve the incredible variety of ecosystems on Earth.
Remember, every little action counts when it comes to protecting our planet!
Gather materials like a clear jar, soil, small plants, and pebbles to create a mini ecosystem. Observe how the plants interact with the soil and water. Write down your observations and discuss how this small ecosystem is similar to larger ones in nature.
Go on a scavenger hunt in your backyard or local park. Look for different components of an ecosystem, such as plants, insects, water sources, and rocks. Take notes or draw pictures of what you find, and identify which parts are biotope and which are biosenosis.
Choose a type of ecosystem, like a desert or rainforest, and create a poster that includes the plants, animals, and non-living elements found there. Present your poster to the class and explain how these components interact to form a balanced ecosystem.
In groups, role-play different parts of an ecosystem. Assign roles like the sun, water, plants, and animals. Act out how these parts interact with each other and discuss what happens if one part is removed or changed.
Write a short story about a day in the life of an animal living in a specific ecosystem. Describe the challenges it faces and how it interacts with other living and non-living elements in its environment. Share your story with the class.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the YouTube transcript:
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Today, we’re going to learn about ecosystems, their components, and the different types found on Earth.
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms and the natural resources of the environment in which they live. Ecosystems can be found in various parts of the planet; they can be very large, like the Sahara Desert, or much smaller and more defined, like the Dead Sea.
So, how do we identify ecosystem coverage? The flora and fauna of each ecosystem have adapted to live according to the characteristics and resources of their surroundings. The interactions among them define the ecosystem and its coverage, which is why there are so many types of ecosystems.
Ecosystems consist of a biotope and a biosenosis. The physical characteristics of the surroundings are called a biotope. These characteristics include non-living elements like soil, water, air, wind, light, and temperature. The biological community that lives in those surroundings is called biosenosis, which refers to the living beings in a physical area.
Among the living beings in an ecosystem, we can find microorganisms, plants, and animals. We can distinguish between two types of ecosystems: natural ecosystems and artificial ecosystems.
Natural ecosystems are areas that have developed without human intervention. The diversity of natural ecosystems occurs due to different climates and resources found in each one. As a result, the animals and plants in a natural ecosystem have developed adaptations related to their environment. For example, polar bears are white to camouflage themselves in the North Pole environment. If these environments are destroyed or if there’s a change in resources, the interactions among the elements of the ecosystem could be altered, endangering their existence.
Natural ecosystems can be classified into two major types: terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystems include deserts, jungles, woodlands, tundras, and grasslands or savannas. Marine ecosystems differ depending on the type of water; there are freshwater ecosystems like rivers and lakes, and saltwater ecosystems like seas and oceans.
Artificial ecosystems are areas created by humans that cannot be found in nature, such as urban ecosystems, agricultural ecosystems, livestock ecosystems, and reservoir and dam ecosystems.
As you can see, the interactions established among living beings and their environment are very important for preserving an ecosystem. It’s essential to help look after the environment to maintain the vast diversity of natural ecosystems.
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Ecosystem – A community of living and non-living things that interact with each other in a specific area. – The forest ecosystem includes trees, animals, soil, and streams.
Plants – Living organisms that typically grow in soil and use sunlight to make their own food through photosynthesis. – Plants like trees and flowers are important for providing oxygen and food.
Animals – Living organisms that can move and consume other organisms for energy. – Animals such as deer and birds are part of the forest ecosystem.
Water – A clear, colorless liquid that is essential for the survival of most living organisms. – Rivers and lakes provide water for plants and animals in the ecosystem.
Soil – The top layer of the earth where plants grow, made up of organic matter, minerals, and living organisms. – Healthy soil is important for growing strong and healthy plants.
Environment – The surroundings or conditions in which a person, animal, or plant lives or operates. – Protecting the environment is important for the health of all living things.
Natural – Existing in or caused by nature; not made or caused by humans. – Natural resources like sunlight and water are essential for life on Earth.
Artificial – Made or produced by human beings rather than occurring naturally. – Artificial lights can help plants grow indoors when there is not enough sunlight.
Living – Having life; alive, such as plants, animals, and humans. – All living things need food, water, and air to survive.
Non-living – Not having life; not alive, such as rocks, water, and air. – Non-living things like rocks and water are important parts of an ecosystem.
