B7.1 Adaptations, interdependence and competition Flashcards
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem is the interaction of a community of living organisms (biotic) with the non-living (abiotic) parts of their environment.
What do organisms require from their surroundings in order to survive and reproduce?
A supply of materials from their surroundings
State four factors plants compete with each other for.
Space, light, mineral ions, water
State three factors animals compete with each other for.
Food, mates, territory
What is interdependence?
Each species within a community depend on others for food, shelter, pollination, seed dispersal, etc. If one species is removed, this will affect the whole community.
In a stable community, what should be a common trend in the populations of all the different species?
All of the species and environmental factors will be in balance so that population sizes remain fairly constant.
What is an abiotic factor?
A non-living factor which can affect a community.
State 3 of the 7 possible abiotic factors which may affect a community.
Light intensity, temperature, moisture levels, soil pH and mineral content, wind intensity (and direction), carbon dioxide concentration, oxygen concentration
What is a biotic factor?
A living factor which may affect a community.
State all 4 possible biotic factors which may affect a community.
Availability of food, new predators, new pathogens, being outcompeted
Organisms have adaptations to enable them to survive in their usual conditions. What 3 categories do these adaptations fall under?
Structural, behavioural, functional (cellular reactions)
What is an extremophile?
An organism that lives in an extreme environment, such as at high temperature, pressure or salt concentration.
Give an example of an extremophile.
Bacteria living in deep sea vents.
