B16 Ecology Flashcards
What is a habitat?
The part of an
ecosystem where an
organism lives
What is a species?
This is a group of
organisms that can
breed together
What is a population
This is the organisms of
the same species that
share a particular
habitat
What is a community?
This is made up of all the
organisms that share a
particular habitat
What do all organisms often need?
The same resources
What is interdependence?
A description of
how organisms rely on
and impact upon each
other
What are biotic factors?
Factors which are living which affect organisms
What are abiotic factors?
Factors which are not living which affect organisms
How does light intensity affect communities?
Can limit photosynthesis so affects distribution of plants and animals
Breeding cycles of many animals and plants is linked to day length and light intensity
How does temperature affect communities?
Limits photosynthesis so it affects distribution
How do moisture levels affect communities?
Moisture levels affect the type of plants and animals which can survive and the number of them
How does soil pH and mineral content affect communities?
The levels of mineral ions impacts the distribution of plants
Acidic soils inhibit the breakdown of plants which reduces the amount of mineral ions in the soil
How does wind intensity and direction affect communities?
The direction of the wind affects the shape of the trees and environment
Transpiration occurs faster
How does the availability of oxygen affect communities?
Heavily affects water-living communities ability to grow
How does the availability of carbon dioxide affect communities?
Limiting factor for photosynthesis
Affects distribution of certain organisms
How do new pathogens or parasites affect communities?
Organisms have no resistance to new pathogens or parasites, so populations can be reduced or wiped out
How do new predators affect communities?
Organisms that have no defences against new predators may be quickly wiped out
How does interspecific competition affect communities?
A new species of an organism may outcompete the existing one, reducing their successful breeding capabilities