Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
Saint Joseph Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc.
Greenbreeze Ave., Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

SCIENCE 4
SECOND QUARTER Hand Out
S.Y. 2021-2022

LESSON: MAJOR INTERNAL ORGANS OF THE HUMAN BODY

Your internal organs work together to perform different life processes such as perception
and thinking, blood circulation, respiration, digestion of food, excretion of wastes, and doing body
movements.
Here are your major internal organs and their functions:

1. BRAIN
The brain is the control system of your body. It controls your voluntary
actions, thoughts, speech, memory, and emotions. It also controls
involuntary actions such as breathing, digestion, and heartbeat.
It is enclosed in a hard case of bone in the head known as the skull
or cranium. It occupies 2% of your body and uses 40% of your energy.

2. HEART
The heart is a muscular organ located in the middle of the chest with its
apex tilted toward the left side. It is roughly the size of your clenched fist
and weighs about 250–350 grams. It works both like a transport system
and a pump to keep blood circulating to and from the different parts
of the body. It pumps approximately 5 liters of blood per minute.

3. LUNGS
The lungs are the major organs for breathing and respiration.
They contain tiny air sacs called alveoli where the gas exchange occurs.
You inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Your lungs are made up
of spongy tissues. Your left and right lungs lie on either side of your heart.
4. STOMACH
The stomach is a muscular bag-likeorgan attached to the esophagus.
It serves as a reservoir for food. It contains gastric juices that help in
breaking down proteins and destroying microorganisms in the food you eat.
It squeezes the food through its muscular contractions.

5. LIVER
The liver is the largest internal organ of the body. It is large,
reddish brown in color, and weighs around 1.3 kilograms in an
adult human.
It stores food nutrients, breaks down toxic substances in the blood,
and produces bile that helps in the digestion of fat.

6. INTESTINES
The small instestine is approximately 6 meters long and 2.5 to 2.8 cm in diameter.
It contains secretions that help in the final digestion of food. It absorbs nutrients through its mucus
membrane lining that is then released into the blood stream.
The large intestine or colon is approximately 1.5 meters long and 2 cm in diameter in an adult
human. It stores the waste products of digestion before eliminating them in the form of feces or
stool. It also absorbs excess water and other substances that will be excreted by the body.

7. KIDNEYS
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that filter wastes
from the blood.
They remove all the wastes in the blood that may cause
harm to your body. They also allow useful materials like
proteins to stay in the blood so that
they can be used by the body.
 8. Bones and Muscles
The muscles and bones are internal parts of the body that form
the musculoskeletal system. They work together to produce
body movement and give support to the body.
The 206 bones of the skeletal system form the framework for
the body while supporting the tissues and organs.
They store minerals and produce blood cells
through the bone marrow.
They also provide the surface for muscle and ligament attachment
The muscles allow voluntary and involuntary movements of the parts of the body. They help maintain
posture and generate heat in the body. Skeletal muscles are attached to the bones to produce
voluntary movement. Smooth muscles control internal organs like the stomach and intestines. Cardiac
muscles keep the heart beating.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
Saint Joseph Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc.
Greenbreeze Ave., Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

SCIENCE 4
SECOND QUARTER Hand Out
S.Y. 2021-2022

LESSON: SOME DISEASES AND INJURIES THAT AFFECT THE INTERNAL

ORGANS OF THE BODY
Some Diseases/Disorders of the Stomach, Liver, and Kidneys

1. Gastroenteritis
An acute inflammation of the membranes in the stomach and intestines. Toxins that are produced by
bacteria in contaminated food and drinks cause the inflammation. Its symptoms include watery stool,
stomach ache, nausea, and vomiting.
A person with gastroenteritis should drink plenty of water or oral rehydration fluids to prevent
dehydration or loss of liquid in the body. But if symptoms continue, the person may need to see a
doctor for treatment to prevent severe dehydration.
2. Ulcer
An open sore in the lining of the stomach that becomes painful due to gastric acid produced in the
stomach. It may be caused by bacterial infection, high-fat diet, smoking, alcohol or caffeine intake, or
stress. Its symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, and burning pain in the stomach when it is
empty. People with ulcer may take antacids to overcome the pain and avoid overeating. They are
advised to eat small frequent meals to avoid having an empty stomach.

3. Hepatitis
An inflammation of the liver. The most common types of hepatitis are hepatitis A and B.
Hepatitis A is caused by a virus that is usually transmitted through food or liquid that is
contaminated with an infected stool. A person can contract the disease if he or she ingests food or
liquid with traces of infected stool. Its symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pale gray
colored stools, rash, and fatigue, may appear two to three weeks after infection.
Hepatitis B is also caused by virus that is transmitted through blood during blood transfusions or
through exchange of bodily fluids. A vaccine is also available for this type of hepatitis.

4. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

An inflammation of the excretory organ caused by bacteria that enter the excretory organs. If not
treated immediately, it can also infect the kidneys. Its symptoms include sever pains from waist
down to the lower back, difficulty in breathing, and blood in the urine. To remedy UTI, doctors
usually prescribe antibiotics.Patients are also advised to drink plenty of water, get enough rest,
observe a healthy diet, and practice proper hygiene.
5. Nephritis
The inflammation of the nephrons in the kidneys that may be caused by bacteria or autoimmune
disorders. Apart from excreting little amounts of urine that is dark brown in color, a person with
nephritis may also have floppy face and eyes. Other symptoms include swollen legs, headache,
and dizziness.
Nephritis and other kidney problems can be prevented by drinking a lot of water and discharging
urine regularly. Proper diet, exercise, enough rest, and a healthy lifestyle can also help keep the
kidneys healthy.

Some Diseases/Disorders of the Lungs, Heart, and Brain

1. Pneumonia
Results when the tiny air sacs or alveoli in the lungs become infected and inflamed. The air sacs
get filled with fluid which hampers them from transmitting oxygen into the blood. Bacteria,
viruses, and fungi are the common causes of pneumonia.
People with pneumonia experience high fever, chest pain when coughing, and cough with phlegm
that gets worse. Some precautionary ways in contracting the disease are washing hands frequently,
avoiding cigarettes, and having vaccination against pneumonia and flu.

2. Tuberculosis or TB
An infectious disease of the lungs caused by bacteria called tubercle bacilli. It can be contracted
by inhaling air contaminated by a person with TB through coughing, speaking, or singing.
Its symptoms include fever, night sweating, chest pain, breathlessness, weakness, and coughing
followed by spitting of yellowish phlegm. TB can be treated by anti-TB drugs. A person with TB
should also develop health habits and observe a healthful lifestyle.

3. Coronary Heart Disease (Coronary Artery Disease)

It refers to the narrowing or blocking of the arteries leading to the heart. Fatty substances called
cholesterol form plaques on the walls of blood vessels that block the flow of blood to the heart.
Heart attack occurs when oxygen-rich blood cannot flow to the heart due to a clot in the artery
leading to the heart. There is congestive heart failure when the heart cannot pump enough blood to
the different parts of the body.
Coronary heart disease can also lead to stroke, a condition wherein brain cells die in just a short
period of time due to lack of supply of oxygen-rich blood. You can prevent acquiring coronary
heart disease by eating healthy food, engaging in regular exercise, and maintaining a healthful
lifestyle.

4. Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)

Is caused by viruses that attack the meninges or membranes of the brain and the spinal cord. It is
related to a disease called meningitis, a potentially-fatal inflammation of the brain caused by
either bacteria or viruses. A person affected byencephalitis experiences flu-like symptoms.
  Other brain disorders include Alzheimer’s disease (a gradual loss of memory),
psychosis (a serious mental condition), and epilepsy (a mental illness characterized by a
convulsive seizures).

Some Diseases of Bones and Muscles

1. Arthritis
Is a skeletal disorder characterized by the inflammation of joints. Apart from swelling, there is
pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the affected joint that may last for a number of days. It can occur
in people of all ages but mostly in older people.
The common causes of arthritis are injury, disease or infection, old age, and some hereditary
factors.

2. Osteoporosis
A condition in which bone minerals, particularly calcium, is decreased making the bones weak,
brittle, and susceptible to fractures. It may occur due to old age, hormonal imbalance, hereditary
factors, and lack of proper diet.
People with osteoporosis should increase their intake of calcium and Vitamin D to make their
bones stronger.

3. Backache or Back Pain

A discomfort in the lower back which may be caused by the inflammation of the joints and
ligaments in the vertebral column. Obesity and fatigue are two common causes of back pain.
 4. Muscular Dystrophy
An inherited disease characterized by the weakening of the muscle tissues. The weakness of the
muscles is usually first noted in the shoulders, then in the face and upper arms.The muscles in the
hands, feet, and back may be affected too.
The back tends to become swayed and the arms and legs may have abnormal position.

5. Fibromyositis
An inflammation of skeletal muscle tissues in which the causes are not fully understood. The
person with fibromyositis usually feels frequent pain and tenderness in the lower back of the
body. Moderate exercise and application of hot compress may relieve the pain.

Injuries of Bones and Muscles

1. Fracture
A broken bone. It can occur to any bone in the body, such as the arm bone, backbone, hipbone,
neck bones, ribs, and skull. When a person has a fracture, it is not advisable to move him until a
paramedic or any medical expert arrives.
2. Sprain
An injury to a ligament or to a tissue that covers a joint. The ligament that supports the joint is
either stretched or torn. A sprain causes pain, swelling, and blue or black discoloration around the
injured area.
The parts of the body that are prone to sprain are the ankles, knees,and wrists. Applying cold
compress to the sprained part reduces pain and swelling. It is also advisable to cover the injured
part with elastic bandage.

3. Dislocation
It ccurs when a bone that forms part of a joint becomes misplaced. The end of the bone is forced
out of its normal position due to the tearing of the ligaments. Dislocation may happen to the bone
in your ankle, elbow, toe, finger, shoulder, or wrist.
There is tenderness and swelling around the injured area. Applying cold compress eases pain and
swelling.

4. Muscle strain
The result of overstretching or even tearing of muscle tissues near a joint. It is characterized by
muscle pain especially if the muscles in the body have not been properly conditioned to do some
strenuous activity for a long period.
Taking a hot bath and resting may relieve ache and soreness.
5. Muscle cramp
A sudden involuntary contractions of leg muscles that can happen because of strenuous activities
of the lower limbs. A person experiencing muscle cramp feels severe pain in the affected leg due
to the stop of blood flow to the muscles.
Proper nutrition and promoting oxygen supply through moderate leg exercise can relieve muscle
cramp.

6. Muscle bruise
It ffects connective tissues that are close to bones. When you suddenly bump a hard object or you
fall on a hard surface, small blood vessels in the bruised tissues may be broken, causing the blood
vessels to swell and become black and blue in color. A cold compress will help prevent further
swelling and relieve pain.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
Saint Joseph Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc.
Greenbreeze Ave., Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

SCIENCE 4
SECOND QUARTER Hand Out
S.Y. 2021-2022

LESSON: TAKING CARE OF THE INTERNAL ORGANS

Your internal organs need proper care so they can do their job of keeping your body
cells and tissues alive. You can prevent your internal organs from contracting diseases if you take
good care of them.
Eat a balanced diet.
A balanced diet is a healthy diet that includes all the nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins,
fats, vitamins,minerals, and water. To have a healthy diet, you must take a variety of foods every
day. You should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Meat, fish, chicken, milk, and eggs
are good sources of protein. Most vitamins and minerals that our body needs come from eating
fruits and vegetables.

Eat regularly and on time.

There are three regular meals a day: breakfast, lunch, and supper.
Avoid skipping any of these meals. Do not delay your eating time. If you do it, you are prone to
ailment, like hyperacidity and ulcer, and you will not have a regular bowel movement. Enjoy your
meal and chew your food thoroughly because doing so stimulates proper digestion.
 Have enough rest and exercise regularly.
All the organs of your body can work well if you have enough rest and you exercise regularly.
Exercise is not only good for the heart but for all the body organs. Your lungs take in more
oxygen and give off carbon dioxide when you exercise.
The burning of food energy is faster when you exercise. You need 8-10 hours of sleep a day to
keep all your body organs healthy.

Drink plenty of water and fruit juices.

You should drink 8-10 glasses of water every day. Water helps the kidneys flush out body wastes.
Fresh fruits and certain vegetables can be blended to make juices that contain large amounts of
water, vitamins, and minerals.

Observe proper hygiene.

Hygiene refers to the way you preserve and maintain your health. Brush your teeth after every
meal. Many microorganisms that cause diseases in the internal organs can be spread or acquired
by hands. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
 Avoid contaminated food and water.
Be sure that you eat only clean food and drink only clean water. Put leftover food in a closed
container before putting it in the refrigerator.
Spoiled food contains lots of bacteria that may cause gastroenteritis.

Maintain the cleanliness of your surroundings.

Disease-causing microorganisms multiply rapidly in a dirty environment. These microorganisms
may live in soil, air, or water. Certain microorganisms, like bacteria and viruses, thrive in the
decaying trash in and around your homes. They can cause airborne diseases.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
Saint Joseph Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc.
Greenbreeze Ave., Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

SCIENCE 4
SECOND QUARTER Hand Out
S.Y. 2021-2022

LESSON: CLASSIFYING ANIMALS ACCORDING TO BODY STRUCTURES

Animals can be classified into two groups: vertebrates and invertebrates.
 Vertebrates are animals with backbone. Vertebrates are further classified into different
groups with different body structures. These groups include mammals, amphibians,
birds, fish, and reptiles.

Common examples of mammals are: dog, cat, goat, horse, and cow. They are covered with fur
and they feed their young with milk from their mammary glands.

Examples of amphibians are: frog, salamander, and toad. They are covered with moist skin and
they can live both on land and in water.
Some reptiles, like snake and lizard, live on trees while crocodile and turtle can live both on land and
in water. They are covered with scaly skin.

Birds have streamlined body covered with feathers. They have beaks or bills, wings, and claws
that enable many of them to live on trees. Some examples of birds are owl, sparrow, parrot,
chicken, and ostrich.

Fish are aquatic animals that breathe through their gills. Examples of fish are milkfish (bangus),
mackerel, tuna, and tilapia.

 Invertebrates are animals without backbone. They comprise the most number of species
of animals on Earth. They have smaller body structures than the vertebrates. Some
examples of invertebrates that live on land are most insects, spider, and worm.

Invertebrates that live in water include shrimp, crab, shellfish, snail, squid, and starfish.
Classifying Animals According to Their Habitats
Animals are living things that have different body parts. They have different body structures
that make them survive in their habitats. Their habitats can be terrestrial, arboreal, or aquatic.

Terrestrial animals live on land. They can live on farms, on hills, on mountains, in houses, or in
any other landforms. Most mammals are terrestrial animals.Mammals are animals with backbones
that reproduce by giving birth to young animals and feed them with milk from their mammary glands.
They can be domesticated animals like dogs, cats, and goats. They can also be wild animals like
tigers, lions, and elephants.

Arboreal animals use trees as habitats. Many birds and monkeys are arboreal animals. Birds have
sharp claws on their feet to enable them to cling to the branches of trees.

Aquatic animals live in either sea water or fresh water. Sharks and salmon are fish that live in sea
water while tilapia and mudfish are fish that live in fresh water. They have fins and tails to allow
them to swim in water and they have gills that enable them to breathe underwater.
Adaptive Body Structures of Animals
Animals have different structures for getting food, protection against the attack of their
enemies and harsh weather, and securing their needs for survival.
Herbivores or plant eaters, like cow, goat, and horse, have mouths with flat teeth to eat grass.

Carnivores or meat eaters, like lions, tigers, crocodiles, have mouths with sharp teeth to tear meat.
Elephants have a special part called trunks for getting food. Frogs, lizards, and turtles use their
tongues to catch food.

Birds have beaks or bills and sharp claws to catch food. Butterflies and dragonflies use their
proboscises to suck nectar from flowers. Squids and octopuses use their tentacles to get food.
Animals protect themselves from the attack of other animals through different body structures and
camouflage techniques.
To escape from their enemies, other animals, like some snake species, use protective colorátion.
They do this by adapting their color to the environment. Some animals like insects use protective
mimicry, which is the ability to imitate some objects in the environment.

Deer, carabaos, and similar animals use their pointed horns to protect themselves. Giraffes and
horses use their strong legs to kick their enemies.

Snakes use their fangs with venom to kill their enemies. When threatened, squids and octopuses
give off black ink to confuse their attackers to allow them to escape. Crabs and lobsters use their
pincers to fend off attackers.

A number of animals need to protect themselves not only from the attack of other animals but also
from harsh weather. Some animals survive very cold environments by having protective body
covering, like fur or feathers.
Hibernation is a state of inactivity that certain animals employ to preserve energy during a period
when food becomes scarce, such as during winter.
Another state of inactivity that some animals adopt is estivation which is used by animals to escape
the hot summer.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
Saint Joseph Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc.
Greenbreeze Ave., Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

SCIENCE 4
SECOND QUARTER Hand Out
S.Y. 2021-2022

LESSON: ANIMALS AND PLANTS IN THEIR DIFFERENT HABITATS

Animals in the Community and Their Habitats
You can observe different kinds of animals in your community. Some of these animals, such
as dogs and cats, are kept as pets at homes where people provide them with food, shelter, and
other needs to make them grow.
There are animals that are raised in farms. They use these animals as a source of food or a means
of livelihood. Some of these animals are raised in terrestrial habitats while other animals are
raised in aquatic habitats.

Food from terrestrial and aquatic animals

Plains and lowlands with grass, trees, and streams provide good habitats for terrestrial animals
that can be raised in poultry farms. Animals such as chickens, ducks, cattle, and pigs are raised
for home consumption or for business purposes.
Farmlands with rice fields surrounded by trees provide good habitats for cows and carabaos.
Poultry houses are built as habitats for chickens that provide eggs and chicken meat for
communities.
Piggeries or pig pens are used as habitats for pigs while fishponds or fish pens are built to provide
habitats for milkfish and other aquatic animals.
Some people use chicken coops or pig pens in their backyard to raise animals for home
consumption. They also provide for the other needs of the animals including food scraps for feeds.

Lakes and brackish water are ideal habitats for many aquatic animals, such as tilapia, milkfish,
shrimps, carp, and mussels. People who raise these aquatic animals build structures, like fishponds
or fish pens, to serve as shelters for these animals where they can be fed to grow and reproduce.

PLANTS IN DIFFERENT HABITATS

TERRESTRIAL PLANTS
Plants that live on land are called terrestrial plants. You can usually find rose, zinnia, bougainvillea,
rosal, yellow bells, sampaguita, and palmera in gardens. They are terrestrial ornamental plants that
bear flowers but they do not bear fruits.
Some plants, like oregano, damong Maria, ginger, lemon grass, and other herbs are also grown in
backyard gardens or on farms for medicinal purposes. Some plants called vines, like squash and
ampalaya (bitter gourd), have long extended stems that climb on posts and trellis built by farmers.
There are plants with roots, like orchids and bird's nests, which cling on tree trunks or hang from tree
branches. These terrestrial plants are called aerial plants.
AQUATIC PLANTS
Plants that grow in ponds, streams, rivers, and seas are called aquatic plants. They are sources of
food and oxygen of aquatic animals. Most aquatic plants have soft hollow stems that can hold water.
Some have wide leaves and light roots that enable them to float on water.
Kangkong, lotus, water lily, water hyacinth, seaweeds, and algae are some examples of aquatic
plants.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
Saint Joseph Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc.
Greenbreeze Ave., Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

SCIENCE 4
SECOND QUARTER Hand Out
S.Y. 2021-2022

LESSON: LIFE CYCLE OF ANIMALS

Animals reproduce by sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction involves the
use of sex cells of the male and female organisms of the same species to produce offspring.
The reproduction of offspring may either be by being born alive or by hatching from eggs.
A mother dog gives birth to puppies. The puppies grow into young dogs. The
young dogs grow into adult dogs that are ready to reproduce.

At birth Young Dog Adult Dog

Animals that lay eggs follow different life cycles from mammals. Their offspring change in
shape and some of their body parts develop differently as they grow. Some examples of
animals that change during different stages of their growth are birds, reptiles, fish, and
insects. The major change that animals undergo during the different stages of their growth
is called metamorphosis.
In complete metamorphosis, the animal undergoes four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult.
The butterfly and the mosquito are animals that go through complete metamorphosis.
LIFE CYCLE OF BUTTERFLY
1. The adult butterfly lays tiny eggs on or under a leaf.
2. The egg hatches into a larva called caterpillar. The caterpillar feeds on the leaf and
starts to grow.
3. The caterpillar creates a silken pad called cocoon. Then it twists and removes its old
skin and becomes a pupa or chrysalis.
4. The chrysalis develops its wings and other body parts. Then it gets ready to break the
cocoon. When it finally comes out, it has a head and crumpled wings.
5. The young butterfly pumps blood into its wings to make them expand. When the wings
harden, the young butterfly flies away and grows into an adult butterfly.
Some harmful insects that undergo complete metamorphosis are the mosquito and the
housefly. Mosquitoes are carriers of diseases, like malaria and dengue fever. Houseflies are
carriers of disease-causing microorganisms that contaminate our food.
Another animal that undergoes metamorphosis is a frog. A frog is an amphibian that goes
through changes in body parts as it grows.

Life Cycle of a Frog

1. The mother frog lays eggs in water.
2. The egg hatches into a tadpole.
3. The tadpole grows some legs and gills
for swimming.
4. The tadpole grows bigger and develops hind
legs, a tail, and lungs.
5. The tail shortens and the legs become developed to
6. look like a young frog.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
Saint Joseph Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc.
Greenbreeze Ave., Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

SCIENCE 4
SECOND QUARTER Hand Out
S.Y. 2021-2022

LESSON: Effects of Changes in the Environment on Living Things

The environment consists of two parts: living things and non-living things.
The living things form the biotic environment. Humans, plants, and animals comprise the biotic
environment
The non-living things comprise the abiotic environment, which include water, air, sunlight, soil,
heat, food, shelter, and all non-living things that affect the growth of living things.

The abiotic environment may undergo changes in the course of time. These changes may occur in the
amount and quality of environmental resources, such as water, air, soil, and temperature of the
habitats of living things. The changes can affect the balance of nature, as well as disturb the life
cycles of humans, plants, and animals.

Here are some ways that the changes in the environment can affect the stages in the life cycles of
living things:

1. Decrease in the population of plants and animals due to lack of resources for growth such
as air, water, and nutrients in their habitat:
A number of plants and animals become extinct as they can no longer grow new species.
Some young animals die before they become adult due to changes in temperature and pollution
in the environment. The illegal cutting of trees in the forest destroys the homes and sources of
food of many animals.

2. Increase in the population of harmful insects that breed in dirty environment

Dirty surroundings become breeding places of harmful insects that are carriers of diseases, like
dengue fever.
3. Damage to the health of humans
The growth of human population on Earth can greatly affect changes in the environment.
Overpopulation brings many different problems in the environment as people compete for
food, shelter, and other needs in order for them to survive.
Overpopulation may also result in poor nutrition in children that would likely lead to stunted
growth and slow mental development.

The development of industries and technology can also affect the changes in the environment.
Many harmful substances, such as smoke, hazardous chemicals from factories and vehicles,
and piles of decaying garbage in the community, go to the resources in the environment, such
as water, air, and land. The presence of harmful substances in the environment that affect the
growth of living things is called pollution. The harmful substances are called pollutants.

Air pollution occurs when the air in the environment is contaminated with harmful gases, such
as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxide. These toxic gases come from factories,
vehicles, erupting volcanoes, and burning activities of humans.

Water pollution occurs when fresh water and saltwater environments are polluted with oil spill
from sea vessels, oil waste, sewage discharges from factories and homes, and non-decaying
garbage thrown into bodies of water.
Land or soil pollution occurs when pollutants, such as harmful substances, hazardous
chemical wastes from factories and homes, and all forms of garbage from the community, are
thrown to or buried in soil.

Pollution affects living things in many ways:

1. Causes respiratory diseases in humans, such as lung cancer and asthma

2. Decreases the reproduction of trees and crops
3. Decreases the reproduction of animals and plants in aquatic habitats
4. Causes global warming and climate change that may affect the temperature of the habitats
of living things
5. Decreases the supply of safe drinking water for humans and animals
6. Causes unpredictable weather patterns that disturb the reproductive periods of animals and
plants.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region IV-A (CALABARZON)
City Schools Division of Dasmariñas
Saint Joseph Academy of Dasmariñas, Inc.
Greenbreeze Ave., Langkaan I, Dasmariñas City, Cavite

SCIENCE 4
SECOND QUARTER Hand Out
S.Y. 2021-2022

LESSON: BENEFICIAL AND HARMFUL INTERACTIONS

AMONG LIVING THINGS

Living things live together and interact with the environment. Each living thing makes up the
species of an organism. The same species of organisms which live in a specific area, form a
population. Several roses that grow together in a garden form a population of roses.
All the livings things that live in that same garden form a community.
The interaction of living things of different species in the community is called ecosystem.
Some examples of these ecosystems are garden ecosystem, farm ecosystem, forest ecosystem,
and ocean ecosystem.

Forest ecosystem Ocean ecosystem

In an ecosystem, the organisms are interdependent with one another in a food chain. In a food
chain, plants are the food producers while animals are the consumers. The herbivore or
animal that eats the plant is the primary consumer or first-order consumer. Other consumers
eat other animals to sustain themselves.
 Producer
Food Chain in a Farm Ecosystem

First Order
Consumer

Third Order Second Order

Consumer Consumer

1. The plant is the food producer.

2. The bug, the 1st-order consumer, eats the plant.
3. The chicken, the 2nd-order consumer, eats the bug.
4. Man, the 3rd-order consumer, eats the chicken.
5. When man dies, his remains are decomposed by bacteria or fungi so that they become part of
the soil that plants can use for growth.

Organisms in an ecosystem interact with each other not only within the food chain framework but
also in the utilization of the different resources in the environment that they need in order to survive.
Some of these interactions are beneficial to the organisms while the others are harmful.

Here are the types of interactions or symbiotic relationships that occur in an ecosystem. Read and
analyse if they are harmful or beneficial.
1. Mutualism
A type of interaction in which both organisms benefit from
each other.
This is also called symbiosis or give-and-take relationship.
A butterfly gets the nectar of a flower as its food.
The flower pollinates as the butterfly feeds on the nectar.

2. Commensalism
A type of interaction in which one organism benefits from
the other organism while the other organism is not affected.
An orchid grows on the trunk of a tree without disturbing the
growth of the tree.
3. Predation
A type of interaction in which one organism called predator
kills another organism called prey for food.
A hawk, which is the predator, kills a chicken, which is the prey,
for food.

4. Parasitism
A type of interaction in which an organism, called parasite
gets its food from the body of another organism called host.
The host is badly affected while the parasite feeds on its parts.
A worm eats the leaves of a non-flowering plant until the
Leaves are consumed and the plant dies.

5. Competition
It is also called “the survival of the fittest.”
The stronger organism
is benefited while the weaker one is harmed or killed.
Rice plants compete against each other as they grow.
Farmers plant them with proper spacing in paddy
fields to reduce competition for the plants' needs so that
they can grow more harvest.