Instructions
Read the information below about flora, fauna, and ecosystems. Then, complete the exercises that follow. Use your knowledge and creativity to enhance your answers.
Understanding Flora and Fauna
Flora refers to the plants in a specific region or habitat, while fauna refers to the animals. Together, flora and fauna make up the biodiversity of an ecosystem. Ecosystems are communities of living organisms and their environment, interacting as a system.
Key Terms
- Ecosystem: A biological community interacting with its environment.
- Biodiversity: The variety of life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
- Habitat: The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
- Food Chain: A series of organisms each dependent on the next as a source of food.
Questions
1. Briefly explain why flora and fauna are important for an ecosystem:
2. List three examples of flora and fauna found in your local ecosystem:
Flora:
Fauna:
3. What is the role of plants in an ecosystem?
4. Choose one animal from the fauna list you provided and describe its role in the ecosystem:
5. Draw a simple food chain using three organisms from the flora and fauna you have identified above. Label each part:
Challenge Activity
Imagine you could create your own ecosystem. Describe the types of flora and fauna you would include and how you think they would interact. Write at least 100 words below: