NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas. LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem.

NGSS Crosscutting Concepts. 2 – Cause and Effect. 3-5. Cause and effect relationships are routinely identified, tested, and used to explain change.

NGSS Performance Expectation. 5-PS3-1.Use models to describe that energy in animals’ food (used for body repair, growth, and motion and to maintain body warmth) was once energy from the sun.

NGSS Disciplinary Core Ideas. LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems.
The food of almost any kind of animal can be traced back to plants. Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat the animals that eat plants. Some organisms, such as fungi and bacteria, break down dead organisms (both plants or plant parts and animals) and therefore operate as “decomposers.” Decomposition eventually restores (recycles) some materials back to the soil. Organisms can survive only in environments in which their particular needs are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet their needs in a relatively stable web of life. Newly introduced species can damage the balance of an ecosystem.