a) What is an ecosystem? An ecosystem consists of all the interacting parts of a biological community and its
environment. It is a group of living organisms along with the abiotic components that form
a self-regulating system through which energy and materials are transferred.
b) What are the two main parts of an ecosystem? The two main parts of an ecosystem are the biotic and abiotic components.
The ecosystem your group built is a closed ecosystem.
How does it differ from natural ecosystems? A closed system differs from a natural ecosystem because substances cannot enter or leave
the system.
Why was a closed ecosystem used for this activity? A closed system was used for this activity because it provided a more controlled
environment for students to study the interactions developed between the abiotic and biotic
components of the system.
The plants and algae require carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
Where did the carbon dioxide come from? The carbon dioxide came from the respiration of all the living things in the ecojar (algae,
aquatic plants, snails, guppies).
The plants, animals and algae require oxygen for respiration.
Where did the oxygen come from? Plants and algae carry out photosynthesis to produce the oxygen required for the respiration
of all the living organisms.