B4.1 Adaptation to environment Flashcards
Habitat
Place where a community, species, population, or organism lives
Adaptation
The process through which organisms adjust to the abiotic environment of their habitat
Sand Dunes Adaptation
Features like deep-root systems and water-storage tissues in plants
Mangroves Adaptation
Animal adaptations like salt excretion and aerial breathing
Abiotic Environment
Non-living parts of an organism’s habitat affecting its life
Abiotic Variables
Factors like temperature, rainfall, and soil type affecting species distribution
Range of Tolerance
The spectrum within which a species can survive a limiting factor
Limiting Environmental Factor
An environmental factor restricting the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population
Joshua Tree
Example of a species with specific abiotic needs (hot, arid conditions)
Impact of Climate Change
How changes in abiotic variables can threaten species like the Joshua tree
Ideal Conditions (Coral Reef Formation)
Requires 20–30°C temperature, alkaline pH, clear water, high light and nutrient levels
Coral Polyps
Small invertebrates forming the basis of coral reefs
Zooxanthellae
Symbiotic algae essential for coral survival
Threats to Coral Reefs
Factors like climate change and pollution
Coral Adaptations
Traits like regeneration and resilience to environmental stress