7C Variation in Population Size Flashcards
Types of adaptations
Anatomical physiological and behavioural
What do adaptations do
Increases chances of survival and reproduction so they pass on the alleles to the offspring
Examples of adaptations to abiotic conditions
Otters have webbed paws this means that they can walk on land and swim effectively
Seals have a thick layer of blubber this helps keep them warm
Hedgehogs hibernate- they lower their metabolism over winter this increases their chances of survival
Adaptations to biotic conditions
Sea otters - use rocks to smash open shellfish and clams increases chance of survival as more access to food
Male frogs produce a mating call to attract females this increases the chances of reproduction
Bacteria produce antibiotics these kill of other bacteria of the same species in the same area this leads to less competition for resources
Define carrying capacity
The maximum stable population size of a species that an ecosystem can support
Describe interspecific competition
Competition between different species for resources
Means resources available to both species are reduced so less energy for survival and reproduction so population size will be lower
Describe intraspecific competition
Competition within a species
The population of a species increases when resources are plentiful
As population increases they will be more competition
Eventually resources are limiting so the population begins to decline
A smaller population means that is less population which is better for survival and reproduction so the population increases
Define predation
When the predator kills and eats the prey
Describe predator prey relationship
As prey population increases there is more food for predators so predator population increases
As the predator population increases more prey is eaten so prey population begins to fall
This means there’s less food for predators so their population decreases and so on
