SCIENCE - Lesson 3 How does matter flow in ecosystems?

Water Ecosystems.

 Almost three-fourths of Earth’s surface is covered with water. Many organisms live in water ecosystems. Water ecosystems can be in shallow water or deep water. They can be saltwater or freshwater. Watch this video, it shows the different ecosystems and organisms you can find in the ocean:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFp_5sgQqTA 


also, see this:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMx2I9hCrb8&feature=related

A type of wetland is a marsh. Most of the Everglades, near the southern tip of Florida, is a marsh. Use the library or Internet to find out how a marsh differs from a swamp. Visit this page, it has information that will help you answer this question:




http://beachchairscientist.wordpress.com/2010/09/13/what-is-the-difference-between-a-swamp-and-a-marsh/

Rate of Decay
Dead organisms can decay slowly or quickly. How fast an organism decays depends on temperature. In colder temperatures decay happens more slowly. In hot temperatures decay happens quickly. Fungi and bacteria need oxygen to live and grow. More oxygen makes decay happen faster. Usually decay happens faster when there is more moisture.

Play a game to find out about microorganisms role in the decay of ecosystems:

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/gamesactivities/microorganisms.html

In your Word document, try to explain, in your own words, how ecosystems decay. You can check your notes or the Science book by clicking on the book's link.

Practice doing the following activity:

 
 You may write your answers on your word document. Look for the "Answer Key" post to check your answers.

Good luck!