Ecosystems: LS.5.2.1

Data For Questions 1 and 2:

Scientists study two aquatic ecosystems located in the same region.

Pond

• Freshwater
• Still or slow-moving water
• High plant growth, including algae and aquatic plants
• Provides shelter for insects, fish, and amphibians

   

River

• Freshwater
• Fast-moving water
• Fewer rooted plants due to strong currents

Provides oxygen-rich water but less shelter for small organisms

Question:

Which statement best explains why ponds often support a greater variety of populations than rivers?

Two Aquatic Ecosystems Question 2

Use the information below to answer question 2 – this is the same information you used on question 1.

Scientists study two aquatic ecosystems located in the same region.

Pond

• Freshwater
• Still or slow-moving water
• High plant growth, including algae and aquatic plants
• Provides shelter for insects, fish, and amphibians

River

• Freshwater
• Fast-moving water
• Fewer rooted plants due to strong currents

Provides oxygen-rich water but less shelter for small organisms

Question:

Select two statements that describe differences between the pond and river that affect the organisms living there.

Grassland and Forest Ecosystems Part 1

A team of scientists compares two land ecosystems.

Grassland

• Mostly grasses; very few trees
• Hot summers, cold winters
• Frequent wind
• Supports grazing animals such as bison and prairie dogs
• Fewer hiding places for prey animals

Forest

• Dense tree cover
• Cool, shaded understory
• Moist soil
• Supports many species of birds, insects, and mammals
• More hiding places for prey animals

Question:

Which ecosystem most likely supports a greater variety of populations, and why?

PART 2- This question uses the same ecosystem information as question 3. 

A team of scientists compares two land ecosystems.

Grassland

• Mostly grasses; very few trees
• Hot summers, cold winters
• Frequent wind
• Supports grazing animals such as bison and prairie dogs
• Fewer hiding places for prey animals

Forest

• Dense tree cover
• Cool, shaded understory
• Moist soil
• Supports many species of birds, insects, and mammals
• More hiding places for prey animals

Question 4: 

Complete the sentence describing how predators might hunt differently based on ecosystem structure.

This question uses the same information about forests and grassland ecosystems. 

A team of scientists compares two land ecosystems.

Grassland

• Mostly grasses; very few trees
• Hot summers, cold winters
• Frequent wind
• Supports grazing animals such as bison and prairie dogs
• Fewer hiding places for prey animals

Forest

• Dense tree cover
• Cool, shaded understory
• Moist soil
• Supports many species of birds, insects, and mammals
• More hiding places for prey animals

Question 5: 

Which statement is best supported by the evidence about grasslands and forests?