Home >> Science & Nature >> Nature

How to Do a Diagram of the Polar Ecosystem

Ecosystem diagrams indicate the interactions between plants, animals, and the surrounding environment. The elements in an ecosystem have a complex relationship, and in a functioning ecosystem each living thing receives energy and nutrients from something else in that ecosystem. Most things also provide nutrients. Polar ecosystems are unique because, unlike most ecosystems, they exist in extremely cold temperatures and may have little or no terrestrial plant life.

Things You'll Need

Pencil
Paper

Instructions

- 1
  
  Arctic ecosystems contain polar bears
  
  Research the polar environment. There are two types of polar ecosystems: the arctic in the north, and the antarctic in the south. Be clear which you are diagramming before you start researching.
- 2
  Draw ice, water, and sun. In a polar system, ice will cover most of the water.
- 3
  Draw and label the plant life and microorganisms. Give a general representation of the types of plants and microorganisms found in the ecosystem. For polar ecosystems, many or all of these organisms will be marine-based so should be drawn in the water. You do not need to draw every species.
- 4
  Indicate with arrows where the plants and microorganisms get their nutrients. For example, if the algae are photosynthetic, draw an arrow from the sun pointing to the algae.
- 5
  Draw the marine life. Include all types of marine life. However, you should be general. For example, there many be many types of fish in an arctic ecosystem, but simply drawing a fish is sufficient. Only include animals that cannot move on land.
- 6
  Indicate with arrows where the marine life receives their nutrients. Remember the arrows should point from the source of that nutrient to the animal receiving it.
- 7
  
  Antarctic ecosystems contain penguins.
  
  Draw the land animals which are found in the ecosystem.
- 8
  Indicate with arrows where the land animals get their nutrients.
- 9
  Check your work. Make sure every living organism has at least one arrow going to it to indicate how it obtains its energy requirements.

Nature