Ecosystem: common misconceptions

If your child says… “Only living things belong to an ecosystem.”

Ask together

Could these plants survive with all their neighbours but without water?

What’s true

Water, light, air and soil interact with organisms within an ecosystem.

If your child says… “We add respiration to find NPP.”

Ask together

Does using some food leave the plant with more or less?

What’s true

Respiration uses some production, so subtract it to find NPP.

If your child says… “Cold, dry places make leaves rot faster.”

Ask together

Why does food keep longer in a fridge?

What’s true

Warmth, moisture and oxygen usually speed decay, while cold, dryness and lignin slow it.

If your child says… “Each animal eats just one kind of food.”

Ask together

How many food routes reach this bird?

What’s true

An animal can have several feeding links within a food web.

If your child says… “Herbivores receive all the energy plants make.”

Ask together

What happens to energy plants use before anything eats them?

What’s true

Respiration releases heat, while uneaten material and waste supply the detritus pathway.

If your child says… “Secondary succession always takes longer.”

Ask together

Which starting place must first develop soil?

What’s true

Remaining soil, seeds or roots can speed recovery after disturbance.

If your child says… “Phosphorus mainly comes from a store in the air.”

Ask together

Which route supplies phosphate to roots without passing through air?

What’s true

Phosphorus has its main store in rocks and no significant gaseous phase.

If your child says… “Nature’s services are only things we sell.”

Ask together

Does shade become useful only when someone charges for it?

What’s true

Ecosystem services include both market goods and benefits without a sale price.