Competition And Adaptation Flashcards
Competition
Competing with other organisms for resources
Adaptation
Characteristics that help an organism to survive the environment
3 main types of environments
- land
- fresh water
- marine
Predators adapted to:
- hunt
- catch
- eat prey
- excellent vision = binocular vision
- High speed= chasing prey
- Weapons=killing prey; I.e sharp teeth, claws, beaks
Prey are adapted to:
- excellent vision = spotting predators: wide field of view
- high speed=escaping predator
- camouflage= hiding from predators
- defence= protection against attacks
Poison in adaptation
- snakes use poison to kill prey
- some frogs use poison on their backs as self defence
Mimicry in adaptation
- fools predator into thinking they are harmful because of their coloured bodies but they really are harmless
- stingless hooverflies resemble wasps
Cactus adaptation’s
- fleshy stem= water stored here
- thick,waxy surface= reduces water loss
- narrow spines= reduces water loss + acts as protection from predators
- deep roots= too catch surface water
Pollination
Can be carried out by insects or the wind
Helps plants to reproduce
Flowers adapted for pollination by insects:
Nectar= good surface for food
Colourful petal= attract them
Large sticky pollen grains= attach to insect body
Stigmas= positioned so that insects must brush past
Flowers adapted for pollination using the wind
Small dull petals
Hang loosely= so wind can blow them off
Lots of small pollen grains= more pollination
Animals compete for:
Food
Water
Space
Plants compete for:
Light
Water
Space
Minerals
Trees cope with season change
- deciduous trees grow rapidly in the spring + loose leaves in the winter to save energy
- the fallen leaves protect and provide warmth around the base of the tree
- fallen leaves can be also used as nutrients laterally
Animals cope with season change
Winter:
- hibernation = animals like to find somewhere warm to sleep
- migration= moving somewhere with more food or is warmer
- grow thicker fur= kept warm by their coat
