B16 - Adaptations, Interdependence and Competition Flashcards
State the levels of organisation in an ecosystem.
Individual, population, community, ecosystem.
What is an ecosystem?
The interaction between the living components and non-living components.
State the factors that plants may compete for.
● Light
● Space
● Water
● Mineral ions from soil
State the factors that animals might compete for.
● Food
● Mates
● Territory
What is intraspecific competition?
Competition within a species.
What is interspecific competition?
Competition between different species.
What is interdependence?
Different species in a ecosystem depend on each other for various resources, if one species is removed, the whole community may be affected.
What is a stable community?
A community in which all the biotic factors (the different species) and all abiotic factors are balanced so that population sizes remain relatively constant.
What are abiotic factors?
Non-living factors.
State the abiotic factors that may affect an ecosystem.
● Light intensity
● Temperature
● Moisture
● Soil pH and mineral content
● Wind intensity and direction
● Carbon dioxide level
● Oxygen level
Why might light intensity affect an ecosystem?
Different species of plants may have different optimum light intensities for growth.
Why does temperature affect an ecosystem?
Different species of plants and animals may have different optimum temperatures for growth and survival.
How does soil pH affect an ecosystem?
- Certain plants may grow better in either alkaline or acidic soil.
- Soil pH may affect the appearance of the plant eg. colour of hydrangea.
How does moisture level affect an ecosystem?
- Many plants cannot survive in waterlogged soil as their roots cannot respire.
- Certain plants are adapted to high moisture levels.
How does wind intensity affect an ecosystem?
Plant seeds are more likely to germinate in locations with lower wind intensity, which may also attract animals that depend on the plant to live nearby.
