Ecosystems

In science, we have been learning all about ECOSYSTEMS! An ecosystem is a community of animals, plants and microorganisms, and the habitat that they live in. An ecosystem can cover a small area, like a pond, or it can cover a very large area, like a tropical rainforest.

In each of these ecosystems, living things and non living things exist. Non living things include things such as rocks, water and the temperature. There are many living things in each ecosystem, from the grass on the ground to the monkey in the tree and the spider in its web. 

In order for these living things to continue to live, they must eat! Some living things produce their own food, such as flowers, so they are known as PRODUCERS. Other living things, like tigers, cannot produce their own food, so the must eat other living things, so they are known as CONSUMERS. Follow the link to play the producers and consumers game!
http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/kidscorner/games/producersconsumersgame.htm

Here is a short video explaining the FOOD CHAIN:

Ecosystems also exist under water. Coral reefs are under water ecosystems that are built by colonies of tiny animals found in marine waters. The largest coral reef that exists is The Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Watch the video and explore the coral reef!