Succession: How Ecosystems Change

What You'll Learn

All living things share basic characteristics: they grow, reproduce, respond to their environment, and need energy to survive. Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, while animals must eat other organisms.

Key Words

prey
ecosystem

Materials Needed

soil
cups
water
plastic wrap

Safety First

Be careful with scissors — ask an adult for help if needed.
Do not look directly at the sun or bright lights.
Clean up spills immediately to prevent slipping.

Steps

Step 1 — Read

Study the diagram and label the parts you recognize.

Step 2 — Do

Model natural selection: scatter colored paper scraps on grass. Time how long it takes a partner to pick up each color. Which color survived longest? Why?

Step 3 — Observe

Draw a detailed diagram of what you observe.

Step 4 — Record

Write a conclusion: what did your results show? Did they match your prediction?

Check Your Understanding

Question 1

1 of 3

What is a habitat?