<< Chapter < Page Chapter >> Page >

Natural sciences

Grade 8

Environment interactions

Module 34

The role of plants in an ecosystem

Activity:

To identify the role of plants

[lo 2.4]

  • Complete the table by indicating either the description or the function. Complete the column to the right by pasting in some of the sketches (from the page with sketches) in the right place.
FUNCTION DESCRIPTION SKETCH
Nutrition
Air filter
Birds build nests, insects lay eggs, predators and prey take cover here.
Camouflage
Soil erosion is prevented and humidity is retained.
Soil is enriched.
  • Write 270 words on the role of plants in ecosystems.

Assessment of ROLE IDENTIFICATION

Were you able to distinguish basic roles?

[LO 2.4]

Activity:

To discuss the role of animals in ecosystems

[lo 2.2; lo 2.4; lo 3.2]

  • Complete the table by indicating either the description or the function. Complete the column to the right by either pasting in a picture or making a drawing in the right place.
FUNCTION DESCRIPTION SKETCH
Nutrition
Pollination
Mammals, birds, mice and insects distribute seeds.
The soil is enriched.

Assessment of CLASSIFICATION

Were you able to identify and classify basic ROLES? LO 2.2; LO 2.4

Advantages and Disadvantages of Animals

  • Are all animals beneficial to the environment?
  • Can animals be harmful to the environment?
  • Write significant aspects that have been named by your classmates here:

Assessment of CLASS DISCUSSION

Were you able to list disadvantages? [ LO 3.2]

Assessment

LO 2: Constructing Science Knowledge:

The learner will know and be able to interpret and apply scientific, technological and environmental knowledge.

This is evident when the learner:

  • categorises information;

2.4 applies knowledge.

LO 3: Science, Society and the Environment

The learner will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationships between science and technology, society and the environment.

This is evident when the learner:

3.2 understands sustainable use of the earth’s resources.

Memorandum

Activity: Identifying the role of plants

FUNCTION DESCRIPTION SKETCH
  • Plants store food that nourishes and keeps animals alive
Baboon or maize plant
  • Leaves absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen
Leaf with arrows indicating direction
Protection, Homes Branches of trees
  • Bark and leaves enable insects to be unnoticeable because of the similarity of lines and spots that are developed
Moth against background of a tree trunk
Anchoring, enriching the soil Roots of plants
Plant material returns to the earth Leaves on the ground

A paragraph dealing with the role of plants

  • This should aim to provide practice in communicating through writing. The content of the previous table must be presented and expanded in a written paragraph.

Activity: Discussing the role that animals play in ecosystems

FUNCTION DESCRIPTION SKETCH
  • Animals serve as food for other animals
Lion with a zebra
  • Insects pollinate flowers, for fruit to develop
Butterfly on a flower
Dispersal of seed
  • Mammals, birds, mice and insects disperse seeds
Mouse eating a fruit
Fertiliser
  • The soil is enriched
Antelope, rock rabbit or rabbit droppings

CLASS DISCUSSION

  • Can animals harm the environment?
  • Yes – overgrazing, in particular, leads to the eradication of plants and thereby to soil erosion. Exotic animals can be harmful because of the way in which their numbers could increase in the absence of their natural enemies. This would result in the displacement of indigenous animals and even cause the eradication of specific animal and plant species.

The food pyramid

  • Green plants, herbivores, carnivores, carrion eaters.
  • Incline: the steeper the incline, the smaller the amount of energy or biomass that is lost from one level to the next.

Food chains related to a text for reading

  • E.g. twigs / organic material - ants - antlion - gecko - snake
  • Grass - locust - gecko - snake
  • Twigs / organic material - field mouse - snake

Get Jobilize Job Search Mobile App in your pocket Now!

Get it on Google Play Download on the App Store Now




Source:  OpenStax, Natural sciences grade 8. OpenStax CNX. Sep 12, 2009 Download for free at http://cnx.org/content/col11050/1.1
Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.

Notification Switch

Would you like to follow the 'Natural sciences grade 8' conversation and receive update notifications?

Ask