Adaptations, interdependence and competition Flashcards
What’s an ecosystem
the interaction between a community of living organisms and their environment
How to identify an ecosystem
It will have 2 or more populations or organisms in their environment
What’s a community
Two or more populations of organisms
Factors that make animals and plants interdependent
Plants produce food by photosynthesis
Animals eat plants
Animals pollinate plants
Animals eat other animals
Animals use plant and animal materials for shelters
Plants need nutrients from animal droppings
What is a stable community
A stable community is one where all the species and environment factors are in balance so that population sizes remain fairly constant
Number of species remains relatively constant, so does population size
Abiotic Factors in plants
Light intensity Temperature Moisture levels Soil pH and mineral content Wind intensity and direction Availability of O2 Availability of CO2
How does light intensity affect the community and how are plants adapted to this?
Photosynthesis limited, adapted plants -> more chlorophyll or bigger leaves
How does temperature affect communities?
Photosynthesis and growth limited
How do moisture levels affect communities?
No water -> little life or no life, in desert plants grow, flower and make seeds quickly when it rains -> then eaten by animals
How does soil pH and mineral contents affect communities?
Distribution of plants, Carniverous plants trap and digest animal prey -> nitrates break down animal protein and struggle to grow, low pH in its decay
How does wind intensity and direction affect communities?
Shape of trees, plants transpire fast
How does availability of oxygen affect communities?
Water-living organisms affected
How does availability of CO2 affect communities?
Photosynthesis, growth, distribution of organisms (mosquitos attracted to food by high CO2 levels)
Biotic factors affecting communities
Availability of food
New pathogens of parasites
New predators arriving
Interspecific competition
How does availability of food affect communities?
Plenty of food = breed