DESCRIPTION OF INTERACTIVE
Photosynthetic Organisms: Photosynthetic Organisms are the organisms that perform photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, light energy is converted to chemical energy, which is stored in the form of glucose. Examples include green plants and algae. Alt text: Close up of green algae.
Herbivore: A herbivore is an organism that gets its energy from eating plants. They often have a special digestive system that only allows them to digest plants. Examples include rabbits, deer, cows, etc. Alt text: A rabbit is sitting in green grass. The ears of the rabbit are standing up-right.
Carnivore: A carnivore is an animal that gets its food ,and thus its energy, by killing other animals. Examples include foxes, seals, ladybugs, etc. Alt text: A fox stands on the edge of a stump in a forest.
Omnivore: An omnivore is an animal that eats both animals and plants. They may hunt, scavenge dead animals or eat eggs. Examples include humans, raccoons, skunks, etc. Alt text: A raccoon is up a tree and is basking in the sun.
Decomposer: Decomposers are organisms that break down dead plants and animals and other organic waste materials. They play an essential role in the recycling of nutrients required for the growth and functioning of plants and ensure that organic waste does not accumulate within an ecosystem. Examples include bacteria, fungi, some insects and snails. Alt text: Three snails make their way in a line across a tree trunk.
Sunlight: All energy in an ecosystem comes from the sun, which is brought in as light and then is converted into energy. Without sunlight photosynthesis would not occur and plants would be unable to grow. Alt text: Sunlight filters through a forest which opens up to a green grassland.
Temperature: Temperature plays an important role within an ecosystem because each plant and animal is adapted to survive between a minimum and maximum temperature range. An example of this would be that many fish can only spawn at certain temperatures and even a small change in this will result in the inability to reproduce. Alt text: A thermometer is sitting on snow and is showing a very cold temperature in both fahrenheit and celsius.
Precipitation: The amount of rainfall and snowfall can greatly impact many aspects of an ecosystem. With climate change we often see changes in precipitation patterns. An example of this could be a year of heavy snowfall leads to greater snow melting which causes higher spring run off levels which impacts stream flow. Alt text: Raindrops are falling onto small sprouting plants. The rain has puddled around the base of the small plants.
Water: All living things, whether they be plants, animals or humans require a certain amount of water to survive. In an ecosystem, water plays a key role in keeping the system healthy and thriving. Water is vital for survival of an ecosystem. Alt text: Water with air bubbles is set over a white background.
Chemical Components: Soil and water chemistry both play an important role in ensuring a healthy ecosystem. Elements such as carbon, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen are all part of the molecules that make up life. Certain plants require very specific soil conditions to grow and thus the chemical makeup of the soil is very important to ecosystem health. Alt text: Two hands are holding brown soil.