B16 - adaptation, interdependence and competition fact test Flashcards
what is an ecosystem
the interaction of a community of living organisms (biotic) with the non-living (abiotic) parts of their environment
what is a species
organisms that can reproduce to produce fertile offspring
what is a population
organisms of the same species in a habitat
what is a community
all the populations of organisms in a habitat
what is the definition of interdependence
interdependence is when, within a community, each species depends on other species for food, shelter, pollination etc. if one species is removed, it can have a knock off effect on the whole community
what is a stable community
a community where all the species and environmental factors are in balance so that population sizes remain fairly constant
what do plants compete for
- light
- space
- water
- mineral ions from the soil
what do animals compete for
- mates
- territory
- food
what is an abiotic factor
a non-living factor which can affect a community
what are examples of abiotic factors
- light intensity
- temperature
- moisture levels
- soil pH and mineral content
- wind intensity and direction
- carbon dioxide levels for plants
- oxygen levels for aquatic animals
what is a biotic factor
living factors which can affect a community
what are examples of biotic factors
- food availability
- new predators arriving
- new pathogens
- one species out-competing the other so numbers are no longer sufficient enough to breed
what is an adaptation
a feature organisms have which enables them to survive in the conditions in which they normally live
what is a structural adaptation
features of an organism’s body structure/appearance e.g. horns, camouflage
what is a behavioural adaptation
what an organism does e.g nocturnal
