Jun 16, 2026 · 17 min · 10 segments
Send us Fan Mail What pervasive pest is a record-setting reproducer? Here's a clue…this adaptable amphibian gives off terrifying toxins to would-be…
Laura StroupHost
Lauren GiordanoHost
Me too, and I know today's mystery focuses on a topic from the first chapter, which is the garden ecosystem.
It's so full of information on how plants and animals work together with the soil to create rich habitats that support many, many species.
Yes, the living things in the garden like your plants, animals, and microbes are known as biotic factors in the ecosystem.
Let's ask our audience if they can think of anything in the garden that would be non-living or abiotic.
Good idea! The living and non-living parts of an ecosystem are both necessary components that must work together for the garden's success.
Did you think of water? Maybe soil or sunlight? How about rocks? It would be challenging to grow a garden without several of these things.
And I also added air because oxygen is important to animals and to plant growth, as is carbon dioxide.
And when we are talking about plants, chapter one discusses the importance of planting native species, which means species of plants that naturally grow in the region and are adapted to the climate and soil.
Yes, native species are vital because they support biodiversity, meaning a variety of species, including insects and other invertebrates, as well as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
And non-native species can end up being what we call invasive, growing out of control and taking over an area.
If they don't have animals that eat them, they may outcompete native plants for space and water resources.
And then down the line, native plant species are reduced and native wildlife lose out on food sources.
We definitely recommend adding native plant species to your garden or landscape to support other native species.
Me too, and I know today's mystery focuses on a topic from the first chapter, which is the garden ecosystem.
It's so full of information on how plants and animals work together with the soil to create rich habitats that support many, many species.
Yes, the living things in the garden like your plants, animals, and microbes are known as biotic factors in the ecosystem.
Let's ask our audience if they can think of anything in the garden that would be non-living or abiotic.
Good idea! The living and non-living parts of an ecosystem are both necessary components that must work together for the garden's success.
Did you think of water? Maybe soil or sunlight? How about rocks? It would be challenging to grow a garden without several of these things.
And I also added air because oxygen is important to animals and to plant growth, as is carbon dioxide.
And when we are talking about plants, chapter one discusses the importance of planting native species, which means species of plants that naturally grow in the region and are adapted to the climate and soil.
Yes, native species are vital because they support biodiversity, meaning a variety of species, including insects and other invertebrates, as well as mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians.
And non-native species can end up being what we call invasive, growing out of control and taking over an area.
If they don't have animals that eat them, they may outcompete native plants for space and water resources.
And then down the line, native plant species are reduced and native wildlife lose out on food sources.
We definitely recommend adding native plant species to your garden or landscape to support other native species.
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