ecology Flashcards
Factors for which organisms are competing in a given habitat
All photosynthesising plants are competing for light, space , water and minerals from the soil.
what is an ecosystem
the community of organisms and non-living components of an area and their interaction
what is interdependence
the dependence of different organisms on each other for survival
what is a stable community
A community in which the size of the populations of all species remain relatively constant over time
how would a change in an abiotic factor effect a given community
changes in temperature and water levels can alter the populations of species which can intern affect the species that depend on them for food.
what are the abiotic factors
-temperature
-light intensity
-water levels
-moisture levels
-soil Ph content
how might biotic factors affect a given community
they affect the abundance and distribution of organisms.
what are the biotic factors
-availability of food - places like the rainforest with a rich food supply will have more species
-new predators - can upset balance and cause a rapid decline in numbers of prey
-new pathogens
-out competition
structural adaptations in plants
-wide ranging shallow roots to absorb lots of water after rain
-large leaves to maximise photosynthesise
-flowers that attract insects to pollinate them
behavioural adaptations
-plant shoots grow quickly towards to the light to maximise photosynthesis
-plant roots grow downwards
