4.7.1 Adaptations, interdependence, competition (might come up) P2 Flashcards
State the levels of organisation in an ecosystem
Individual, population, community, ecosystem
What is an ecosystem
The interaction between the living components and non living components
Factors that plants may compete for
Light
Space
Water
Miner ions from soil
Factors that animals might compete for
Food
Mates
Territory
What is interdependence
Different species in an ecosystem depend on each other for various resources, if one species if removed, the whole community may be affected
What is a stable community
A community in which all the biotic factors and all abiotic factors are balanced so population sizes remain relatively constant
What are abiotic factors
Non-living factors
Examples of abiotic factors
Light intensity Temperature Moisture Soil pH and mineral content Wind intensity and direction Carbon dioxide level Oxygen level
Why might light intensity affect an ecosystem
Different species of plant may have different optimum light intensities for growth
Why does temperature affect and ecosystem
Different species of plants and animals may have different optimum temperatures for growth and survival
How does soil pH affect an ecosystem
Certain plants may grow better in either alkaline or acidic soil
Soil pH may affect the appearance of the plant eg colour of hydrangea
How does moisture level affect an ecosystem
Many plants cannot survive in waterlogged soil as their roots cant expire
Certain plants are adapted to high moisture levels
How does wind intensity affect an ecosystem
Plant seeds are more likely to germinate in locations with lower wind intensity which may also attract animals that depend on the plant to live nearby
How does soil mineral content affect an ecosystem
Most plants require a high level of soil minerals to grow well
Example of a type of plant that has adapted to low soil mineral content
Carnivorous plants catch insects to compensate for the low level of soil minerals
