COLEGIO LAUSANA CÓDIGO FAC

GESTIÓN ACADÉMICA VERSIÓN 1

PROCESO EN EL AULA
FECHA
TALLERES BIMESTRALES

Student Guide: Ecosystems

Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Define what an ecosystem is and explain its key components.
2. Identify and describe the main types of ecosystems found on Earth.
3. Analyze the importance of ecosystems and the role they play in maintaining environmental balance.

What is an Ecosystem?
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment. It includes
plants, animals, microorganisms, and the non-living components like soil, water, and air. These elements work together
in a delicate balance to sustain life within a particular area.

Ecosystems can vary greatly in size and can be as large as a forest or as small as a pond. No matter the size, every ecosystem
consists of two main components: biotic factors (the living things) and abiotic factors (the non-living things). Biotic factors
include all the organisms within the ecosystem, while abiotic factors include sunlight, temperature, and nutrients found
in soil and water.

The importance of ecosystems lies in the way they support life. They provide essential services like purifying air and water,
regulating climate, recycling nutrients, and providing food and shelter for living organisms. Ecosystems also play a crucial
role in the Earth's biodiversity, offering a habitat where different species can thrive.

Reading: Understanding Ecosystems

Ecosystems are the backbone of life on Earth. They exist in various forms and locations, each uniquely supporting different
types of life. From dense tropical rainforests to the vast expanses of the desert, every ecosystem is characterized by its
specific combination of biotic and abiotic factors. But what exactly makes an ecosystem, and why are they so vital to our
planet's health?

Components of an Ecosystem
As mentioned earlier, ecosystems are made up of biotic and abiotic factors. These two components interact continuously,
creating a balanced environment where organisms can live, grow, and reproduce. The biotic factors are the living parts,
including plants, animals, and microorganisms, while the abiotic factors consist of non-living elements like climate, water,
and minerals.

For instance, in a forest ecosystem, the trees, birds, insects, and fungi represent the biotic components, while sunlight,
rainfall, and soil nutrients are the abiotic components. Together, these factors form a self-sustaining system where energy
flows through food chains, starting from producers (plants) to consumers (animals) and decomposers (fungi and bacteria).

Types of Ecosystems
Ecosystems can be categorized into two main types: terrestrial ecosystems and aquatic ecosystems. Terrestrial ecosystems
include forests, deserts, grasslands, and tundra, while aquatic ecosystems consist of freshwater and marine ecosystems,
such as lakes, rivers, oceans, and coral reefs.

Each ecosystem is unique in its climate, geography, and the species it supports. For example, tropical rainforests are known
for their high biodiversity and consistent warm temperatures, while deserts are characterized by extreme temperature
variations and minimal rainfall.
 COLEGIO LAUSANA CÓDIGO FAC
GESTIÓN ACADÉMICA VERSIÓN 1
PROCESO EN EL AULA
FECHA
TALLERES BIMESTRALES

Importance of Ecosystems
Ecosystems are essential for life on Earth. They provide numerous ecosystem services, such as:

1. Regulating the Climate: Forests absorb carbon dioxide, helping to regulate the Earth's temperature.
2. Purifying Water and Air: Wetlands filter pollutants from water, while forests act as natural air filters.
3. Supporting Biodiversity: Ecosystems are home to a wide variety of species, contributing to global biodiversity.
4. Providing Resources: Ecosystems offer food, medicine, and raw materials essential for human survival.

The balance within an ecosystem is fragile. Human activities, such as deforestation, pollution, and climate change, can
disrupt this balance, leading to the loss of species and degradation of natural resources. Therefore, understanding
ecosystems and their importance is crucial for conserving our planet.

Workshop: Understanding Ecosystems

1. Define an ecosystem and identify its key components.

2. List and describe the main types of ecosystems found on Earth. Provide examples of each.
3. Explain the importance of both biotic and abiotic factors in maintaining the balance within an ecosystem.
4. Discuss the role of ecosystems in supporting biodiversity. Why is biodiversity important?
5. Analyze the impact of human activities on ecosystems. Provide examples of how these activities can disrupt ecosystems.
6. Describe a forest ecosystem, including the biotic and abiotic factors that interact within it.
7. Compare and contrast a desert ecosystem with a rainforest ecosystem in terms of climate, species, and resources.
8. How do aquatic ecosystems differ from terrestrial ecosystems? Provide specific examples.
9. What role do decomposers play in an ecosystem? Why are they important?
10. Discuss the concept of sustainability in relation to ecosystems. How can we protect and preserve ecosystems for future
generations?

Creative Presentation
- Task: In groups of 4, create a presentation on one specific type of ecosystem. You can choose from forest, desert,
grassland, freshwater, or marine ecosystems.
- Parameters:
- Slides: Your presentation should include 8-10 slides.
- Time: The presentation should last between 10-15 minutes.
- Information to Include:
- Define the chosen ecosystem.
- Describe the biotic and abiotic factors within it.
- Highlight the unique characteristics and species of the ecosystem.
- Explain the importance of the ecosystem and the threats it faces.
- Discuss conservation efforts and suggest ways to protect the ecosystem.