Science Assignment: Understanding
Ecosystems
Instructions: Read the passage below and answer the questions that follow.
Passage:
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their
physical environment. It includes plants, animals, microorganisms, water, soil, and climate.
Ecosystems can be as small as a puddle or as large as a rainforest. Within an ecosystem,
each species plays a role, either as a producer, consumer, or decomposer. Human activities,
such as deforestation and pollution, can disrupt the balance of ecosystems, leading to
species decline or extinction.
Questions:
1. Define an ecosystem in your own words.
2. Identify three components of an ecosystem mentioned in the passage.
3. Explain the roles of producers, consumers, and decomposers in an ecosystem.
4. How can human activities affect ecosystems? Give two examples.
5. Think of a local ecosystem near your home. Describe it and identify at least one producer,
one consumer, and one decomposer.
Extension Activity:
Draw a simple food web for the ecosystem you described in question 5. Include arrows
showing energy flow between organisms.
Answer Key:
1. Definition of ecosystem: A community of living organisms interacting with each other and
their physical environment.
2. Components of an ecosystem: Examples: plants, animals, microorganisms, water, soil,
climate.
3. Roles:
- Producers: Organisms that make their own food (e.g., plants).
- Consumers: Organisms that eat other organisms (e.g., animals).
- Decomposers: Organisms that break down dead matter (e.g., fungi, bacteria).
4. Human impact: Deforestation, pollution, habitat destruction, introduction of invasive
species.
5. Local ecosystem example: Answers will vary. Example: Park ecosystem — Producer:
grass, Consumer: rabbit, Decomposer: earthworm.
Extension Activity Answer:
A simple food web example:
- Grass → Rabbit → Fox
- Grass → Grasshopper → Bird
- Dead plants/animals → Fungi/Bacteria
Grading Rubric:
- Questions 1–4: 4 points each, correct and complete answers.
- Question 5: 5 points, accurate identification of producer, consumer, decomposer.
- Extension Activity: 5 points, correct arrows and energy flow.
- Total: 30 points.