10 points Based on the observations, which ecosystem is likely to be the MOST
sustainable?
Students in a science class visited four local ecosystems. The students observed the species
present in each ecosystem and recorded their observations in the table.
Ecosystem
1: Grassy lawn on
school property
2: Small pond with
cattails growing
around the edge
Observations
The grass is mowed often and kept short. Two sparrows
foraged for food in the grass. No other animals were observed.
Two types of fish were seen in the pond. Tadpoles were
swimming in the shallow areas. Large wading birds were seen
feeding on tadpoles and crayfish.
Wheat plants are the only plants growing in the field. There
were many insects. No predators were observed except for a
single circling hawk.
Fish, frogs, crayfish, insect larvae, and turtles were seen in the
stream, and wading birds were eating small fish. Raccoon
tracks were seen in the mud. Deer were moving through the
trees. Many birds were seen feeding in the canopy of the
woods.
3: Agricultural field
4: Wooded area
along a stream