4.1.1. COMPONENTS OF AN ECOSYSTEM

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are the two main components of an ecosystem?

   Hint

   Think about what organisms need to survive.

2. 2.

   Give one example of a producer.

   Hint

   Which organisms can make their own food?

3. 3.

   What are the living components of an ecosystem called?

   • Abiotic
   • Biotic
   • Producers

   Hint

   Think about what 'biotic' means.

4. 4.

   True or False: Decomposers are autotrophs.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   What do decomposers do?

5. 5.

   Explain how a decrease in water availability can affect both biotic and abiotic components of a desert ecosystem.

   Hint

   Consider food chains and habitat requirements.

6. 6.

   Design an experiment to observe how changes in abiotic factors (like light and temperature) affect plant growth.

   Hint

   What will you control in your experiment?