If you guessed that the Earth is the largest ecosystem in the Solar System, you guessed right. Ecosystems can be very small and very large and they are all connected. Some of the largest organisms, like seaweed, photosynthesize and provide food for sea stars, and sea stars eat clams and mussels. Seaweed thrives in the ocean, but not on land, yet organisms on land need seaweed. Kelp beds are a nursery for many species of fish that are tasty to birds, humans and other carnivores on land, like bears. Another large ecosystem is an Aspen grove. All the trees are part of one great system of roots, so all the trees are actually clones. Aspens share the same DNA and other characteristics which makes them one of the largest ecosystems on Earth. Finally, mushrooms or fungus are another very large ecosystem. We don't notice this ecosystem as much because 90% of the mushrooms are underground in a web of mycellium, or underground roots. In fact the largest living organism on Earth is considered the "honey fungus" in the Blue Mountains of Oregon. This fungus measures 2.4 miles! Yes, this is a humongous fungus! We need to appreciate our Earth in every way and value every space. As human populations grow we need to teach each other the value of ecosystems because our health, happiness and lifestyles depend on each ecosystem on Earth. When new neighborhoods move in, houses and apartment buildings are built over acres of land, I think all of us feel a little sad that there are many ecosystems that are entirely wiped out and covered by roads, lawns and homes. All of us need shelter, please remember that we are part of the Earth and ALL of us need shelter, even down to the smallest creature. We can learn to share our space and it doesn't have to be hard...
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Mrs. TaylorI love science! Everything about the world is interesting and never boring. I love to study plants, animals, insects, and people. My favorite subjects are my students who are the most unique organisms on the planet! Categories |