An ecosystem is a community of living things (plants, animals, and tiny organisms) interacting with each other and their non-living environment (air, water, soil, sunlight). Every animal needs a habitat — a place that provides food, water, shelter, and space. When any one of these four things is missing, the animal cannot survive there. Habitats come in many different forms, from deep oceans to hot deserts, from frozen arctic ice to warm rainforests.
A rainforest ecosystem is one of the most diverse places on Earth. Rainforests cover only 6% of Earth's surface but contain over 50% of all plant and animal species! The forest is organized in layers. The emergent layer at the top has tall trees that reach above the canopy. The canopy layer is where most animals live — monkeys, toucans, and tree frogs thrive here. The understory is darker and cooler, home to jaguars and tapirs. The forest floor receives very little sunlight and is home to insects, fungi, and decomposers that break down dead matter.
A grassland ecosystem has wide open spaces with few trees. Grasslands are divided into tropical grasslands (savannas) and temperate grasslands (prairies). Savannas have warm temperatures year-round and support large animals like elephants, lions, zebras, and giraffes. Temperate grasslands have hot summers and cold winters, supporting animals like bison, prairie dogs, and coyotes. Grassland animals often dig burrows underground because there aren't many trees for shelter. Grasses have deep root systems that hold the soil and prevent erosion.
An ocean ecosystem covers over 70% of Earth's surface and contains many different habitats within it. Coral reefs are called the "rainforests of the sea" because they're so diverse — thousands of fish, sea turtles, and invertebrates live among the coral. The open ocean is vast and deep, home to whales, sharks, and migrating fish. The deep sea is pitch-black and under extreme pressure, where creatures like anglerfish and giant squids live. The intertidal zone (where the ocean meets the land) experiences changing tides, and animals like crabs, sea stars, and barnacles must adapt to being underwater and exposed to air.
1. What are the four things every animal needs from its habitat?
2. Why is a rainforest considered one of the most diverse ecosystems?
3. Compare a tropical grassland (savanna) with a temperate grassland. How are they similar and different?
4. Why do grassland animals often live in burrows instead of trees?
Write a definition or draw a picture for each word.
Fill in the chart comparing three different ecosystems.
| Feature | Rainforest | Grassland (Savanna) | Ocean |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate | |||
| Trees | |||
| Rainfall | |||
| Animal Examples | |||
| Challenges for Animals |
Write the letter of the habitat next to each animal.
Habitats: A) Rainforest canopy B) Grassland savanna C) Coral reef D) Deep ocean E) Ocean intertidal zone
| Animal | Habitat Letter |
|---|---|
| Howler monkey swinging between trees | |
| Lion hunting on open plains | |
| Clownfish living in an anemone | |
| Anglerfish with glowing lure | |
| Barnacle attached to a rock | |
| Toucan with large colorful beak | |
| Zebra grazing on grass | |
| Sea star on a rocky shore |
Draw the four layers of a rainforest. Place 2 animals in each layer. Label each layer.
If a rainforest animal from the canopy layer was moved to the forest floor, what challenges would it face? Would it survive?
Why do scientists say coral reefs are the "rainforests of the sea"? Compare the two ecosystems.
How would a grassland ecosystem change if a drought killed most of the grass? What would happen to the animals?