1. Let’s Find Out!

2. Erosion is the process by which the surface of the Earth gets worn down. Erosion can be caused by natural elements such as wind, rain, and glacial ice.

3. In any ecosystem, plants provide protective cover on the land and prevent soil erosion for the following reasons: ~Plants slow down water as it flows over the land (runoff) and this allos much of the rain to soak into the ground. ~Plant roots hold the soil in position and prevent it from being washed away. ~Plants break the impact of a raindrop before it hits the soil, thus reducing its ability to erode.

4. Plants in wetlands and on the banks of rivers are of particular importance as they slow down the flow of the water and their roots bind the soil, thus preventing erosion.

6. What are the roots doing to the soil? PREDICT: HOW DO PLANTS HELP PREVENT SOIL FROM ERODING IN AN ECOSYSTEM?

7. What changes occurred in the tray as you added water? Soil was slowly running down towards the bottom of the tray demonstrating erosion. The plants absorbed much of the water that was falling, therefore, most of the soil stayed in place.

8. What changes occurred in the tray as you added larger amounts of water? Soil was slowly running down towards the bottom of the tray demonstrating erosion. The plants absorbed much of the water that was falling, therefore, most of the soil stayed in place.

9. The tray full of sugar represented a model ecosystem. How does rain and wind affect the soil of the ecosystem? The land surrounding the water begins to deteriorate; the water fills with dirt, causing it to overflow.

10. How do plants help prevent erosion in any ecosystem? Plants help decrease the effects of erosion by absorbing some of the water; the roots hold more of the soil in place.