Student Ecosystem Worksheet (pdf)
1. What does eco mean? Use the Internet or a dictionary.
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2. What is an ecosystem? Use what you now know about the root eco to determine
the meaning of ecosystem and ecology.
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3. What does bio mean? Use the Internet or a dictionary. Now that you know what
bio means, can you define biotic?
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4. What does abiotic mean? Did you know that the root- a means away from.
Knowing this, can you determine the meaning of abiotic now?
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5. What are the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of an ecosystem?
Use the table below.
Biotic
Abiotic
6. What does flora mean? Use the Internet or dictionary. Draw and write an
example.
7. What does fauna mean? Use the Internet or dictionary. Draw and write an
example.
8. What does diversity mean? Can you define the term biodiversity?
9. Explore the Internet, books, magazines, articles, etc., and list as many ecosystems
that are found on our planet in the table below.
Ecosystem ꜛ, -, ꜜ
Biotic
Abiotic
10. Using the same table (above), research the main characteristics (biotic) and
(abiotic) of each ecosystem. Then, use the symbols, ꜛ (high), - (medium), and ꜜ
(low) to rate the biodiversity level or index for each ecosystem.
11. Why do you think ecosystems are important to explore? Do we have any
responsibilities as human beings to ensure their conservation and protection?
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12. Go outside and explore! Determine what kind of ecosystem you live in. Use the
table below to make biotic and abiotic observations.
Biotic (Use tools, such as: magnifying
glass, microscope, binoculars, etc.,)
Abiotic (Use tools, such as: thermometer,
weather kit, etc.,)