B18 Adaptation Flashcards
What is a population?
Total number of organisms of the same species that live in a specific area
What is a community?
Group of two or more populations of different species living in a specific area
What is an ecosystem?
The interaction of a community of living organisms with non-living parts of their environment
What is competition?
Contest between organisms within a community for resources
What is interdependence?
When species in a community depend on others for resources and shelter
What do animals compete for?
Food
Mates
Territory
What do plants compete for?
Light
Space
Water
Mineral ions
What is an abiotic factor?
Non-living factor that can affect a community
Name 4 abiotic factors
CO2 Levels
Light intensity
Soil pH and mineral content
Temperature
What is a biotic factor?
Living factor that can affect a community
Name 4 biotic factors.
Food availability
Predators
Pathogens
Competitions between species
What is a stable community?
When all species and environmental factors are in balance so, population size remains fairly constant
How do adaptations help an organism?
They enable the organism to survive in the conditions in which it lives
What are the 3 types of adaptations?
Structural
Behavioural
Functional
What is an extremophile?
An organism that lives in a very extreme environment
Name 5 things that can make an environment extreme.
Very high or low temps
Extreme pressures
High salt concentrations
Very acidic or alkaline
Lack of oxygen or water
What are structural adaptations?
Physical features that allow an organism to successfully compete.
E.g Sharp teeth, camouflage
What are behavioural adaptations?
Changes in behaviour that give an advantage to the organism
E.g Making nests to attract a mate
What are functional adaptations?
Adaptations that are related to the essential processes for an organism to survive
E.g Photosynthesis, production of venoms
Adaptations of a Polar Bear
- White fur for camouflage
- Feet with large SA to distribute area on snow
- Small ears for less heat loss
- Thick fur
Adaptations of a Camel
- Feet with large SA to distribute area on sand
- Humps to store fat to provide energy when food is scarce
- Long eyelashes to keep sand out of eyes
Adaptations of Cacti
- Spines instead of leaves to reduce SA, therefore reducing water loss
- Spikes to deter predators
- Long roots to reach water
- Large stems to store water
