Student Unit L1
Populations in Balance
Unit L1 Focus Words
native
adjective – originally from a place
The elderberry tree is native to Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Do you know of a native tree in your area?
population
noun – a group of animals or plants of the same species in an ecosystem
The population of brown tree snakes on Guam is increasing because of the lack of predators. What populations are declining?
interdependence
noun – when two or more parts depend on each other
The Chesapeake Bay oyster’s effect on other organisms in its habitat demonstrates interdependence.
disturbance
noun – an interruption in the normal way an ecosystem works
Are disturbances to ecosystems always bad?
recovery
noun – the process when an ecosystem returns to normal
Do you think recovery from the snake infestation on Guam is possible?
consumer
noun – an animal that eats other living things (like plants or other animals)
Do higher level consumers eat more plants or more animals?
producer
noun – a living thing that makes its own food through light and very simple substances
Seaweed is an example of a producer in an ocean ecosystem. What are some producers in a desert ecosystem?
predator
noun – an animal that preys on (hunts and eats) other animals
Eagles and ospreys are considered top predators in the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. Why?
prey
noun – an animal that is hunted and killed for food by a predator
Can you think of some examples of prey that are larger than their predators?