B15 Ecology Flashcards
Define habitat.
The part of an ecosystem where an organism lives.
Define species.
This is a group of organisms that can breed together to produce fertile offspring.
Define population.
This is the organisms of the same species that share a particular habitat.
Define community.
This is made up of all the organisms that share a particular habitat.
Define competition.
A word that describes the fact that organisms often need the same resources.
Define interdependent.
A word that describes how organisms rely on and impact upon each other.
Define a biotic factor.
Living things that can affect a population.
Define an abiotic factor.
Non-living things that can affect a population.
Give 3 examples of a biotic factor.
- Light intensity
- Temperature
- Moisture levels
- Soil pH / Mineral content
- Wind intensity
- Oxygen availability
- Carbon dioxide availability
Give 3 examples of an abiotic factor.
- Food availability
- Pathogens / Parasites
- New predators
- Interspecific Competition
Explain how light intensity can affect communities.
- Limits photosynthesis, affects distribution and growth of plants
- Breeding cycle of animals is linked to day-night cycle
Explain how temperature can affect communities.
- Limits photosynthesis, affects distribution and growth of plants
- Small plants affects herbivores, less herbivores affect carnivores
Explain how moisture levels can affect communities.
- Water is essential to life
- In deserts, there are no plants until it rains, animals move to these areas or starve
Explain how the soil’s pH levels and mineral content can affect communities.
- Most organisms can’t survive without good soil, some exploit it to trap prey
- Low pH inhibits plant decay, so mineral ions aren’t released into the soil
Explain how wind intensity can affect communities.
- Strong winds can change the shape of the landscape / trees
- Plants transpire quicker
