B 15 Flashcards
Abiotic factors
Non living elements of the environment
Community
Group of interdependent living organisms in a community
Ecosystem
Interacting organisms and their environment
Interdependence
When different populations rely on each other
Biotic factors
Interaction of living things
Habitat
An area where organisms live
Distribution
Where particular types of organisms are found within an environment
What do organisms require
They require materials from their surroundings and other living organisms to survive and reproduce
Stable community
Is one where all the species and environmental factors are in balance so that population sizes remain fairly consistent
Abiotic Factors
Light intensity Temperature Moisture levels Soil pH and mineral concentration Wind intensity and direction CO2 levels for plants The availability of oxygen for aquatic animals
Biotic factors
Availability of food
New predators arriving
New pathogens
New competitors
Light intensity
Light limits photosynthesis. Some plants are adapted to living in low light levels. For example they may have more chlorophyll or bigger leaves
Temperature
Is a limiting factor of photosynthesis. Plants are all small which means there are less herbivores in the area
Moisture levels
If there is little water life can’t thrive. Very little plants in dessert
Soil pH and mineral concentration
Impact on distribution of plants. Most plants struggle to grow with low mineral concentrations.
Wind intensity and direction
In areas with strong prevailing winds, shape of trees and landscape is affected. Plants transpire fast
Availability of Oxygen
Some invertebrates can survive with low oxygen levels
Availability of CO2
Acts as a limiting factor for photosynthesis
Availability of Food
When there is plenty of food, organisms can breed successfully.
New pathogens or parasites
Organisms will have no resistance to the disease
New predators
No defence could wipe out organisms
What do plant compete for
Light for photosynthesis (to make food)
Water for photo synthesis (keeping their tissues rigid)
Nutrients (minerals) from the soil. Chemicals they need in the cells
Space to grow. (Roots to take up water and minerals and their leaves to capture light
Adaptions in plants
Early flowering in the year.
Some plants have shallow roots whereas some plants have very deep roots.
If one plant is growing in the shade, it may grow taller to reach light.
Spreading the seeds
To reproduce successfully, the plant needs to spread its seeds far away, to avoid competition with its own seedlings.
The plant may use wind to spread their seeds apart.
Herbivores adaptions
Have sharp teeth for grinding up plant cells
Carnivores adaptions
Have sharp teeth for ripping flesh and crushing bones
Extremophiles
Are organisms that survive and reproduce in the most difficult conditions
Sea birds adaptions
Are able to get rid of salty water via crying very salty tears.
Biggest challenges in weather
Coping with lack of water
Stopping body temperature getting too high or low
Animals in cold climates
A small surface area to volume ratio, will minimise cooling
Camouflage (structural)
This adaption is important for for predators and to not be seen by prey
Changing surface area in leaves
This reduces water loss in desert plants
