Stop the Invasion Demo Project

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3.2 What is an Ecosystem? –

Stop the Invasion Demo Project 3.2 What is an Ecosystem? –

A. Can you Guess?

Can you guess which type of ecosystem is most common? Make your prediction then click on the ecosystem examples below to check your answer.

Tropical Ecosystems

Tropical ecosystems are not the most common, but they do have the most variety of species.

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Aquatic Ecosystems

Aquatic ecosystems are the most common, covering around three fourths of the Earth.

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Desert Ecosystems

Desert ecosystems are not the most common. These ecosystems are known for little rain and many nocturnal animals.

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B. Ecosystem Example

Think Like a Scientist

Here’s a video of Everglades National Park. Act like scientists and observe.


  • What was the park like before pythons?
  • Count as many different species as you can.
  • Which species do you think might be threatened by the invasive Burmese pythons?

Think About It

The video says, “this is a combination platter of life.” A combination platter is what you get at a restaurant when you try lots of foods. Think about it – why might the Everglades be called a combination platter of life?

C. Read

Exploring Ecosystems

Fact Finder: Now we’ll read more about ecosystems. This will help us learn why and how invasive species can take over. As you read, write down any important information in the “Fact Finder” section of your mission log.

D. Ecosystem Challenge

Directions: Below are two very different ecosystems, a pond and a desert. Remember, an ecosystem includes all of the living an nonliving things in an area. Drag and drop each item to the ecosystem it belongs to.

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