B16: Adaptations, Interdependence and Competition Flashcards
what is a community?
may different populations interact in the same habitat
ecosystem?
interaction of a community with non-living (abiotic) parts of the environment
what do plants compete for?
PLANTS :
light –> For photosynthesis
space–> space above soil for light/below soil for water/minerals
water –> photosynthesis
mineral ions –> nitrates/magnesium (for proteins/chlorophyll)
what do animals compete for?
food –> energy for growth/reproduction
mates –> reproduce/pass on genes
territory –> provides animals with food, water , shelter and mates
interdependence?
describes how organisms in a community depend on other organisms for vital services
including : food, shelter, reproduction (pollination/seed dispersal)
what is a stable community?
where all BIOTIC (living) and ABIOTIC (non -living) factors are in balance
examples of abiotic factors?
non living
light intensity –> For photosynthesis (rate of photosynthesis affects rate of plant growth)- plants are food sources for others
temperature –> affects rate of photosynthesis
moisture levels –> need water to survive
Soil pH/mineral content –> Soil pH affects rate of decay / therefore how fast mineral ions return to soil
Wind intensity/direction –> affects rate of transpiration
CO2 levels –> affects rate of photosynthesis /distrubution of organisms as some thrive in co2 environ
Oxygen levels for aquatic animals –> Most fish need alot of O2 to survive
examples of biotic factors?
living
food availability –> more food means organisms can breed more successfully, therefore population increases
new predators
new pathogens
competition
what are structural adaptations and examples?
shape or colour of organism
- sharp teeth of carnivore to eat meat
- camoflage to avoid predators
what are behavioural adaptations and examples?
way an organims behaves
- organism can play dead to avoid predators
what are functional adaptations and examples?
involved in processes such as reproduction/metabolism
- late implantation of embryos
- conservation of water through producing little sweat
what are extremophiles ?
live in environments which have extreme conditions
including : - High temps, pressures, salt conc
adaptations to cold climates?
smaller SA:V ratio to reduce heat loss
adaptations in dry climates
- adaptations to kidneys to retain water producing concentrated urine
- active in early morning/evening when its cooler
- larger SA:V –> more heat loss
eg of plant adaptations ?
- curled leaves to reduce water loss
- extensive root system to take in as much water as possible
- waxy cuticle to stop evaporation of water
