Question

what is an ecosystem? an ecosystem is a biological community of interacting organisms in an environment. think about the three types of organisms (i.e., producers, consumers, and decomposers.). how is matter cycled within an ecosystem? describe an example of an interaction between a living and - non - living thing that occurs within an ecosystem. indicate whether each statement about ecosystems is true or false. if one part of an ecosystem is altered, the whole system will be affected. an ecosystem cannot vary in size. carnivores can be producers or consumers. bacteria and fungi are decomposers of an ecosystem. nutrients can only be found in living things.

Explanation:

1. Matter is cycled in an ecosystem through processes like photosynthesis (by producers), consumption (by consumers), and decomposition (by decomposers). Producers take in carbon - dioxide and water to make organic matter, consumers eat producers or other consumers, and decomposers break down dead organisms and waste, returning nutrients to the environment for producers to use again.
2. An example of an interaction between a living and non - living thing in an ecosystem is plants (living) taking up water (non - living) from the soil through their roots for photosynthesis.

3.

• If one part of an ecosystem is altered, the whole system will be affected: True. Ecosystems are interconnected, and a change in one component can have a cascade of effects on others.
• An ecosystem cannot vary in size: False. Ecosystems can range from small, like a puddle ecosystem, to large, like a rainforest ecosystem.
• Carnivores can be producers or consumers: False. Carnivores are consumers as they eat other animals. Producers are organisms that make their own food through photosynthesis, like plants.
• Bacteria and fungi are decomposers of an ecosystem: True. They break down dead organic matter, releasing nutrients back into the environment.
• Nutrients can only be found in living things: False. Nutrients are also present in non - living parts of the ecosystem like soil, water, and air.

Answer:

1. Matter is cycled through photosynthesis, consumption, and decomposition.
2. Plants taking up water from soil.

3.

• If one part of an ecosystem is altered, the whole system will be affected: True
• An ecosystem cannot vary in size: False
• Carnivores can be producers or consumers: False
• Bacteria and fungi are decomposers of an ecosystem: True
• Nutrients can only be found in living things: False