Living Together

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

What Is a Community?

A community is all the different populations living and interacting in the same place.

• A population = one kind of living thing in one place

• A community = many different populations living together

For example:

• zebras + ostriches + insects + plants = a community

• fish + frogs + plants in a pond = a community

Communities are made up of living things that share space and affect one another every day.

Not Just Living Together—Working Together

In a community, living things do more than just share space.

They interact.

That means they:

• help each other

• compete with each other

• depend on each other

Some relationships are especially helpful.

Animal Teamwork in Action

In parts of Africa, ostriches and zebras often stay near each other.

Here’s why:

• Ostriches have excellent eyesight. Zebras have strong hearing and smell.

• The ostrich watches for danger. The zebra listens and smells for danger.

Together, they stay safer than they would alone.

That’s teamwork in a community.

Helping Each Other Survive

Sometimes animals help each other in surprising ways.

During dry times, water can be hard to find.

• Elephants can dig deep holes to reach water.

• Baboons use those water holes to drink.

But it’s not one-sided.

• Baboons make loud warning calls if danger is nearby.

• This helps protect the elephants.

Both animals benefit.

That kind of relationship helps a community stay strong.

Not All Relationships Are Friendly

Not every interaction is helpful.

Some living things compete.

That means they fight for the same things:

• food

• water

• space

For example:

• Two predators may hunt the same prey.

• Plants may compete for sunlight.

Communities include both cooperation and competition.

Everything Is Connected

In a community, one change can affect many living things.

If one population changes:

• Others may grow or shrink.

• Food sources may increase or disappear.

• The balance can shift quickly.

For example:

• Fewer predators can lead to too many prey animals.

• Fewer plants can affect many animal populations.

Communities work like a system—everything is connected.

Big Idea to Remember

A population is one group of the same species.

A community is many different populations living and interacting together.

• Some help each other.
• Some compete.
• All are connected.

You just explored how different living things work together in communities to survive.

Next, it’s time to practice spotting these connections and interactions in action.