Grade 6 PAT Prep

Living Systems (Ecosystems)

Guiding Question: In what ways are ecosystems complex?

Components of Ecosystems

Biotic (living): Plants, animals, microorganisms.
Abiotic (nonliving): Sunlight, water, soil, air, temperature.

interactions

Energy from Sun powers plants (producers) → animals (consumers) → decomposers recycle waste.
Every element affects others (e.g., less rain → fewer plants → less food for animals).

ecosystem types & diversity

Examples

Forest: tall trees, shade, cool climate; diverse wildlife.
Grassland: open, dry; bison, grasses.
Wetland: shallow water; frogs, reeds, filters water, stores CO₂.
Desert: hot, little rainfall, cacti adapt to store water.
Arctic: ice/snow, cold‑adapted animals (polar bears, moss).
Freshwater: ponds/lakes support fish, plants, and oxygen exchange.

Key Idea

Ecosystem variety = more biodiversity → more stability.

photosynthesis

Formula

Light + Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) + Water (H₂O) → Sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆ ) + Oxygen (O₂)

Light energy: energy from sunlight, captured by chlorophyll in the plant cells
Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): taken in from the air
Water (H₂O): taken up from the roots
Sugar (C₆H₁₂O₆): a sugar that stores energy
Oxygen (O₂): released into the air

details

Photosynthesis happens in chloroplasts in plants using chlorophyll.
Oxygen released → animals use it in respiration.
Sugars (glucose) used for plant energy/stored as starch.

plants' importance to life

functions

Produce oxygen & food.
Anchor soil and prevent erosion.
Clean/filter water.
Provide shade and wildlife habitats.
Used for food, clothing, building, medicine, and fuel.
Sacred plants to First Nations, Metis, & Indigenous: sage, sweetgrass, cedar, tobacco — symbolizing respect, balance, giving back.

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