Question

1. (a) which spheres are represented in the savanna ecosystem model above? (b) activities in one sphere can affect other spheres and may cause changes at the ecosystem level. develop a model, e.g. a diagram or mind map, of interactions within and between the biotic and abiotic components of an ecosystem.

Explanation:

(a) The biotic factors (living organisms like elephants, etc.) represent the biosphere. The atmosphere - related factors like wind speed etc. represent the atmosphere. The water - related factors represent the hydrosphere and the soil - related factors represent the geosphere. So the biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and geosphere are represented.
(b) To develop a model, one could draw a large circle representing the ecosystem. Inside it, draw smaller circles for biotic components (plants, animals etc.) and boxes for abiotic components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere). Use arrows to show interactions such as plants taking in carbon dioxide from the atmosphere (atmosphere - biosphere interaction), animals drinking water from the hydrosphere (hydrosphere - biosphere interaction), nutrients cycling between soil (geosphere) and plants (biosphere) etc.

Answer:

(a) Biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere
(b) A large circle for ecosystem with smaller circles for biotic components and boxes for abiotic components and arrows showing interactions.