Grade 7 Science

Unit 1
Natural Events and Human
Activities Cause Changes in
Ecosystems

Chapter 3

The Changing Ecosystem

Have you ever noticed changes
in the ecosystems around you?
When? What were the changes
like? Do you know what caused
the changes?

The Changing Ecosystem

What do you think is happening

here?

Succession
Succession:
A natural change of the ecosystem.
The process where a biological
community changes over time.
These changes may be slow and hard
to see over short time periods.

 Pioneer species: the first species to

live an ecosystem during succession.
Example: lichens.

Climax community: the final

community of succession in an area. It
doesnt change for many years.
Example: Balsam fir forests

2 Types of Succession
1. Primary Succession: Takes place
in an area with no soil
Examples: bare rocks, sand dunes,
and cooled lava

Primary Succession

Flow Chart
Create your own flow chart of Primary
succession
Start with bare Rock!
Have small plants first
Finally have a climax community!

2 Types of Succession
2. Secondary Succession: The
process where an ecosystem changes
after it has been disturbed.
Example: A forest changing after a
fire.
**The re-growth of a community.

Flow Chart 2
Create your own flow chart of
Secondary succession

Start with a full ecosystem

Have a natural or human change
Have growth of small organisms
Finally have your climax community!

Succession Video!

Discussion... Read p. 70-1

Succession can have environmental
changes such as...

1.Soil composition
2.Plant types
3.Animal types
4.Amount of light

Explain

 Review Questions: Page 73 Qs: 1,

2, 6 & 8.

Core STSE

The Two Centimeter Forest

The Human Impact...

How do you think we have impacted our
environment?

1.Harvesting resources
2.Habitat loss/ destruction
3.Introduced species
4.Pollution

Harvesting Resources
We are Removing resources from
ecosystems
These resources may not return and
may be needed by other animals

Habitat Loss/ Destruction

Removing vegetation and soil
removes shelter and food for animals.
Changes on land alter drainage of
water which affects rivers and lakes.
See table 3.1 on
p. 77

Introduced Species
Species that have spread beyond their
natural range into new locations as a
result of human activities.
They can take the niche of natural
populations and out-compete them.
Also called alien, exotic or non-native
species

Ex. Of Introduced Species in NL

Moose 1904 (competes with caribou)

Eastern chipmunk 1962
Coyote
Snowshoe hare 1860
American mink 1934
Deer mouse
Norway rat
Masked shrew
American res squirrel 1963
Bank vole
Purple loosestrife
English ivy
Scotch broom

Endangered Species of
Newfoundland & Labrador

Pine marten
Wolverine
Piping plover
Eskimo curlew
Longs braya
Barrens willow

Pollution
Substances that cause harm to the
air, soil, water, or living things are
called pollutants.
Can have direct and indirect impacts
on the environment.
P. 82

 Review Questions: Page 85 Qs: 2,

5, 9 & 13.

Humans can harm the environment

Are we doing anything to help?
Conserving habitats!
But its not good for everyone

Habitat Conservation
Pros
1. Sustainability of
resources
2. Preservation of
biodiversity

Cons
1. Artificial habitats
2. Economic loss (job
loss, etc.)
3. Limited human use

3. Eco-tourism

Journal Entry Take a Stand!

A Conservation group wants to
protect a pond forest area.
What are two reasons people would want
this conservation area?
What are two reasons people may Not
want this conservation area?
Do you think they should protect the
area?

Groups Interested in Protecting the

Environment...
Local Examples:
Protected Areas Association
Conservation Corps Newfoundland &
Labrador

Groups Interested in Protecting the

Environment...
National Examples:
Parks Canada
Canadian Native Federation
Nature Conservancy of Canada
David Suzuki

Groups Interested in Protecting the

Environment...
International Examples:
Friends of the Earth
World Wildlife Fund
Ducks Unlimited

 Website Activity

 Chapter 3 Review Questions:

Page 94-95 Qs: 1, 6, 8, 10, 13 &
14.