Adaption Flashcards
Define population
The total number of organisms of the same species that live in one specific geographical area
Define community
Group of two or more populations of different species living in one specific geographical area
Define ecosystem
The interaction of a community of living organisms with the non loving parts of their environment
What is competition
Contests between organisms within a community for resources
What is interspecific competition
Competition between organisms of different species
What is intraspecific competition
Competition between organisms of the same species
What do animals often compete for
Food
Mates
Territory
What do plants often compete for
Light
Space
Water and mineral ions from the soil
What is interdependence
When species in a community depend on others for resources and shelter
Describe a stable community
All species and environment factors are in balance so population sizes remain fairly constant
What are abiotic factors
Non living factors in the ecosystem that can affect a community
List some examples of abiotic factors
Carbon dioxide levels for plants
Light intensity
Moisture levels
Oxygen levels for animals living in water
Soil pH
Temperature
Wind intensity
What are biotic factors
Living factors in the ecosystem that can affect a community
List some examples of biotic factors
Decreased availability of food
New predators arriving
New pathogens
Competition between species
How do adaptions help an organism
They enable the organism to survive in the conditions in which it lives
What are the three types of adaptions
Structural
Behavioural
Functional
Examples of structural adaptions
Sharp teeth to hunt prey
Colouring that may provide camouflage to hide or hunt
A large or small body-surface-area-to-volume ratio
Examples of behavioural adaptations
Making nests to attract a mate
Courtship dances or attract a mate
Use of tools to obtain food
Woking together in packs
Examples of functional adaptions
Photosynthesis in plants
Production of poisons or venom to kill prey or deter predators
Changes in reproduction timings
What adaptions does a polar bear have
White fur for camouflage when hurting
Feet with large SA to distribute weight on snow
Small ears to reduce heat loss
Thick fur for insulation
What adaptations do camels have
Feet with large SA to distribute weight on sand
Hump stores fat to provide energy when there is a lack of food
Tough mouth and tongue to eat cacti
Long eyelashes to keep sand out of eyes
What are adaption of cacti
Spines instead of leaves to reduce SA leading to water loss and deter predators
Long roots to reach water underground
Large fleshy stem to store water
What is an extremophile
An organism that lives in a very extreme environment
What makes an environment extreme
Very high or low temps
Extreme pressures
High salt concentration
Highly acidic or alkaline conditions
Low levels of oxygen or water
What are the bacteria in the deep sea vents classified as?
Extremophiles
