B16 Adaptations, interdependence and competition Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
The interaction of a community of living organisms with the non-living parts of their environment
What is the source of energy for an ecosystem?
The sun
What is interdependence?
If one species is removed from a community it can effect the whole community
What is a stable community?
A community in which all the species and environmental factors are in balance
What are two examples of a stable community?
Tropical rainforests and mature oak woodlands
List nine abiotic factors
- Amount of light
- Temperature
- Availability of water
- Availability of mineral ions
- The pH of soil
- Wind intensity and direction
- Carbon dioxide levels
- Availability of oxygen
- Nesting sites and shelter
List four biotic factors
- Availability of food
- New predators arriving
- New pathogens
- New competitors
What is meant by the “distribution” of organisms?
Where they live
What is meant by the “abundance” of organisms?
How many there are
What are different things that animals compete for? (3)
Food, mates and territory
What are different things that plants compete for? (4)
Light, space, water and mineral ions
What are extremophiles?
Organisms, usually microorganisms, that are adapted to live in conditions where most enzymes do not work because they would denature
What are examples of structural adaptations?
The shape or colour of an organism
What are examples of behavioural adaptations?
Migration
What are examples of functional adaptations?
Antifreeze in cells
