Observe two different places near your home or school (e.g., a park and a roadside). List the living and non-living components you see. How are the two ecosystems different?
A park ecosystem typically has more diverse biotic components including various trees, shrubs, grass, birds, insects, squirrels, and earthworms.
Abiotic components include soil, water (from fountains or ponds), sunlight, and air.
A roadside ecosystem has fewer biotic components—mostly grass, some trees, and limited animal life like ants or birds.
Abiotic components include concrete, tar road, vehicle exhaust, dust, and higher temperatures due to heat absorption by roads.
The park ecosystem is healthier with more biodiversity, better soil quality, and cleaner air.
The roadside ecosystem shows signs of human disturbance, pollution, limited biodiversity, and harsher conditions for organisms.
The park represents a more balanced ecosystem while the roadside represents a disturbed habitat.
Explanation
Activity 12.1 in the chapter guides students to identify two habitats and list living beings (biotic components) and non-living things (abiotic components). The chapter explains that different habitats offer different living conditions, and organisms need specific conditions to survive. A park provides better conditions for diverse life compared to a roadside affected by pollution and human activity.
Solution Steps
Observe and list biotic (living) components in the park: trees, shrubs, grass, birds, insects, squirrels, and earthworms
Observe and list abiotic (non-living) components in the park: soil, water, sunlight, and air
Observe and list biotic components at the roadside: grass, some trees, and limited animal life like ants or birds
Observe and list abiotic components at the roadside: concrete, tar road, vehicle exhaust, dust, and higher temperatures
Compare the two ecosystems: the park has more biodiversity and is healthier; the roadside shows human disturbance and pollution