B17- Adaptation Flashcards
What is a population?
The total number of organisms of the same species that live in the same place
What is a community?
A group of 2 or more populations living in an area
What is an ecosystem?
The interaction of a community of living organisms with non living parts of their environment
What is competition?
Organisms in a community competing for resources
What is interdependence?
When species in a community depend on others for resources and shelter
What do animals compete for?
Food, shelter, territory
What do plants compete for?
Light, water, space, mineral ions
What is an abiotic factor?
A non living factor that impacts a community
What are some abiotic factors?
Carbon dioxide levels (plants), light intensity (plants), moisture levels, oxygen (aquatic), soil pH and mineral content, temperature, wind intensity
What is a biotic factor?
A living factor that impacts a community
What are the biotic factors?
Predators, pathogens, competition, food availability
What is a stable community?
When all species and environmental factors are in balance so population size remains constant
How do adaptations help an organism?
Enable the organism to survive in the conditions it lives in
What are the three types of adaptation?
Structural, behavioural and functional
What are extremeophiles?
An organism that lives in extreme conditions
What makes an environment extreme?
High or low temperatures, extreme pressures, high salt concentrations, highly acidic or alkaline conditions, lack of oxygen or water
What are structural adaptations?
The physical features that allow an organism to compete
What are behavioural adaptations?
The behaviour of an organism that gives it an advantage
What are functional adaptations?
Adaptations that relate to the process that allow an organism to survive
What are the adaptations of a camel?
Camouflaged fur, large surface area feet, hump that stores fat, tough tongue and mouth for eating cacti, long eyelashes
What are the adaptations of a polar bear?
White fur for camouflage, large surface area on feet, small ears to reduce heat loss, thick fur
What are the adaptations of a cacti?
Spines instead of leaves reduce water loss and deter consumers, long roots to reach underground water, large fleshy stem to store water
