Ecosystems and interdependence
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Electricity
Waves
Forces and motion
Energy
Earth and atmosphere
Acids and alkalis
Chemical reactions
Pure and impure substances
The periodic table and properties of materials
Atoms, elements and compounds
States of matter
Genetics and evolution
Interactions and interdependencies
Plants
Human reproduction
Human gas exchange systems
Human nutrition, digestion and health
Human skeleton and muscles
Explainer Video
Summary
Ecosystems and interdependence
In a nutshell
Organisms depend on other organisms for survival. Plants capture energy from the sun and use this to make their own food. Animals need energy so they eat plants that have this stored energy from the sun. Plants are dependent on insects as insects are necessary to pollinate crops so fruits can grow.
Ecosystems
Definition
An ecosystem is all the living things in one area and their environment.
Organisms in an ecosystem rely on one another to survive, this is known as interdependence.
Plants and energy
The Sun provides almost all the energy on Earth. Plants use this energy to make glucose in a process called photosynthesis. This glucose can then be used by the plants to build molecules that help them grow.
Example
Plants use food to build proteins that become part of their cells.
These molecules store the Sun's energy. This energy is then passed onto animals when they eat the plants. It then gets passed on again when animals are eaten by other animals.
Note: Animals do not carry out photosynthesis so they get their energy by eating plants and other animals.
Gas exchange
During respiration, plants and animals take in oxygen and give out carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants give out oxygen and take in carbon dioxide. Without plants, there would not be enough oxygen for respiration and too much carbon dioxide in the air.
Plants depend on insects
Some plants depend on insects to reproduce. Crops such as corn are grown for food and these crops need insects to pollinate them. If these crops are not pollinated, they will not be able to make the fruit and seeds that we eat. This is why insects are needed to pollinate crops and provide us with food.
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Why do plants need insects?
Some plants depend on insects to reproduce. Crops such as corn are grown for food and these crops need insects to pollinate them.
Where do plants get their energy from?
The Sun provides almost all the energy on Earth. Plants use this energy to make glucose in a process called photosynthesis.
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is all the living things in one area and their environment.