📝 Instructions: For multiple choice questions, circle the letter of the best answer. For short answer questions, write in complete sentences where possible.
1
What is an ecosystem?
(a) A type of animal that lives in water
(b) A community of living things and their non-living environment
(c) A kind of weather pattern that causes rain
(d) A scientific experiment done in a lab
2
Which of the following is NOT a part of an ecosystem?
(a) Plants
(b) Water
(c) Sunlight
(d) A calculator
3
What do producers in an ecosystem do? Write your answer below.
4
A pond ecosystem includes frogs, fish, algae, and water. Which of these is a producer?
(a) Frogs
(b) Fish
(c) Algae
(d) Water
5
What might happen to a forest ecosystem if all the trees were removed? Explain your reasoning.
6
Name two living things and two non-living things you might find in a meadow ecosystem.
Answer Key
4th Grade Science — Ecosystems
Q1
(b) A community of living things and their non-living environment
Q2
(d) A calculator
A calculator is a man-made object and not part of a natural ecosystem. Plants, water, and sunlight are all ecosystem components.
Q3
Producers make their own food using sunlight through photosynthesis.
Accept any answer that includes: plants make food using sunlight/energy (photosynthesis).
Q4
(c) Algae
Algae are producers — they photosynthesize. Frogs and fish are consumers. Water is non-living.
Q5
Animals would lose food and shelter; soil would erode; the ecosystem would be severely disrupted or collapse.
Accept any answer that mentions: loss of habitat, food chain disruption, soil erosion, or animals leaving/dying.