B1.4 - Interdependence & Adaption Flashcards
What do plants compete for?
Water Space Light Nutrients
What do animals compete for?
Food Territory Mates Water
What is an adaptation?
A characteristic that helps an organism to survive in its environment.
What is an extremophile?
An organism that is adapted to an extreme condition of the environment.
What adaptations may an organism have to allow it to survive in dry artic conditions?
Very thick fur for insulation Extra fat under the skin to increase the insulation Small surface area to volume ratio Camouflage
What adaptations may an organism have to survive in dry environments?
Very thin layers of body fat Camouflage Large surface area to volume ratio Produce small amounts of concentrated urine
Give some examples of non-living changes in an environment
Temperature, rainfall, water pollution.
Give some examples of living changes in an environment
Disease, predators/prey, change in number of competitors.
Describe how lichens can be used as air pollution indicators
Some can only grow where there is no pollution while others are tolerant of different kinds of air pollution. Surveys of lichens can show quickly and easily how polluted the air has become since the lichens started growing.
Describe how invertebrate animals can be used as water pollution indicators
The oxygen concentration is lower in polluted water. The numbers of different species in the water indicates how polluted it is. Mayfly nymphs can’t tolerate low oxygen levels and so a reduce number of these indicates that the water is polluted. Bloodworms can tolerate low oxygen levels and so will still be found in polluted water.
Give examples of non-living indicators that demonstrate environmental changes
Satellites used to measure the temperature of the sea surface and amount of snow cover. Weather stations to tell us the atmospheric temperature at different locations. Dissolved oxygen meters which measure the concentration of dissolved oxygen in water.
