Exploring Ecosystems
Vocabulary
Adaptation
Any change in the structure or behavior of a species which helps it to become better fitted to survive and reproduce in its environment.
Groundwater
Water that is stored underneath the earth’s surface.
Habitat
The natural environment in which a species, or group of species, lives.
Organic Material
Natural elements, often plants, found in the environment.
Water Pollution
The addition of harmful substances that degrade the natural conditions of streams, rivers, lakes, oceans, aquifers, or other bodies of water.
PODCAST
The Recharge Zone Podcast is the official podcast for the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA), a regional water management agency, which protects the portion of the Balcones Fault Zone Edwards Aquifer – a jurisdictional area that provides water to over 2.5 million people, and covers more than 8,000 square miles across 8 counties! Tune in to charge up your knowledge on all things Edwards Aquifer from the EAA.
Watch: Exploring Ecosystems (1:34 mins)
Hear from Jewel Cozort, EAA Aquifer Environmental Scientist II, as she defines what an ecosystem is and shares the importance of preserving land in order to protect the Edwards Aquifer.
Videos
The caves of Mexico are similar to the DARK ecosystem of the Edwards Aquifer. Both systems have blind catfish!
Discover the critters living along the bottom of this South Texas stream with John Ramirez, outdoor educator and adventurer. Look for the “benthic shuffle” in the video to learn how you can discover insects like these on your next adventure.
Activities
Experience Nature Scavenger Hunt
You only need your brain and body for this scavenger hunt that is designed to improve observation skills.
Nature Mandala Activity
Find your moment of Zen making a Nature Mandala.
