Learning Focus: What is an ecosystem and how do they

function?

•What: learn about food chains for a specific place•How: construct a food web for the Antarctic•Why: to understand what an ecosystem is and how it works

Where do these get their energy from? Discuss with your partner.

Activate: What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is a natural system where plants and animals are closely linked to

each other and to the non-living environment around them (water, air, the

sun, rocks and soils)

Ecosystems can be small, such as under a stone or huge like the rainforests in Brazil.

Trophic levels

The flow of energyEvery ecosystem will have a flow of _____ through it. The main source of energy is ________ which is absorbed by plants through photosynthesis. This energy is passed on up through the _____ chain where ______ are eaten by animals which may in turn get eaten by other ______. Each level of the food chain is known as a trophic level.

Word bankPlants Sunlight animals food energy

energy

sunlight

foodplants

animals

Demonstrate: Who’s eating who?

TASK:• Cut out the pictures

• Using the clues on the written sheet stick the pictures in the right place on the food web

Let’s see if you’re right!

Self assess your answers!http://www.discoveringantarctica.org.uk/multimedia/flash/4_eating.html

Reflection…

So, in Antarctica:

– Who are the vegetarians?

– Who are the carnivores?

– Who is top of the food chain?

Learning Focus: What is an ecosystem and how do they

function?

•What: learn about food chains for a specific place•How: construct a food web for the Antarctic•Why: to understand what an ecosystem is and how it works