Ecosystems and adaptations
Living and non-living parts of an ecosystem, adaptations, relationships and threats. Read one part at a time and tap “I know this”. Then test yourself in the quiz.
Know it already? Jump straight to the quiz
The parts of an ecosystem
| Living | Non-living |
|---|---|
| Plants, animals, fungi, bacteria | Water, soil, rocks, air, sunlight, rainfall |
Soil is important, because it holds nutrients and water. Wetlands filter water and hold back floods. An ecosystem with many kinds (high biodiversity) is stronger: if one species suffers, others fill the gap.
Adaptations
- A cactus stores water and has spines.
- Many Kalahari animals come out at night: it is cooler, so they lose less water.
- A marsh plant has air spaces that carry air to its roots.
- Some fynbos seeds only open after a fire.
- Camouflage helps an animal blend in.
Relationships and threats
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Mutualism | Both organisms benefit |
| Parasite | Lives off a host and harms it |
| Carrying capacity | Exceeded: food runs short and numbers fall |
| Monoculture | Only one species grown: poor for biodiversity |
| Conservation area | Where nature is kept safe |
Remember this and test yourself
- An ecosystem is all the living and non-living things in an area (plants, animals, water, soil, rain), and the way they interact with and depend on each other.
- A population is one species in one area; an endemic species is found nowhere else.
- Animals compete because resources are always limited.
- Mutualism: both benefit. A parasite lives off a host.
- The greatest threat is habitat loss; an invasive species spreads and causes harm.
Write these points in your book. Read them again the night before the test.
Ecosystem = the whole household: the living family and the house (water, soil, air).
Important words
First say what the word means, then turn the card over.
Match column A to column B
Tap a word in column A, then its meaning in column B. You can also start in column B.
True or false?
Read the question and the answer. Is the answer right? Tap True or False.
Now the real quiz!
The quiz has many more questions on this topic. Every question shows straight away whether you are right and explains why.
Take the quiz: Ecosystems and adaptations- Read one part together and ask your child to tell it back in their own words.
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Follows CAPS for Grade 6 Natural Sciences and Technology. Always check your teacher’s notes and textbook too.