ecology Flashcards
what do you call the place where organism lives
habitat
population vs community
pop - all the organisms of one species living in a habitat
com - all the populations of different species living in a habitat
what do you call living or non living factors
abiotic - non living factors of the environment
biotic - living factors of the environment
what is an ecosystem
interaction of a community of the abiotic factors with biotic factors of an environment
what resources might organisms compete for
plants: light & space, water & mineral ions from soil
animals: food, water, mates, territory
describe interdependence and stability in a community
in a community, all the different species depend on each other for food, shelter, pollination and seed dispersal
can be a stable community: organisms are in balance with each other & with abiotic factors. any changes may cause large knock on effects
describe stability in an ecosystem
stable community: organisms are in balance with each other & with abiotic factors
name abiotic factors that can affect organisms in an ecosystem
• light intensity - can stunt plant growth, reducing food
• temperature - seasonal changes
• water level
• soil pH and mineral content
• wind intensity and direction
• co2 level (for plants)
• oxygen level (in water - for aquatic life)
name biotic factors that can affect organisms in an ecosystem
• availability of food
• arrival of a new predator
• competition - number can become to low to breed if outcompeted
• new pathogens
what does structural adaptation mean and give the examples from an organism in a hot desert and an organism in a cold desert
changes to body structure eg shape or colour
camel - hump stores fat to allow heat loss, leathery mouth, long lash
arctic fox - thick fur, furry soles, and small ears all reduce heat loss. white coat for camouflage
what does functional adaptation mean and give example from one organism
changes to processes inside body
camel - concentrated urine & dry faeces to reduce water loss from
what does behavioural adaptation mean and give example from an organism
changes to behaviour eg migration
kangaroo rat - nocturnal to avoid heat and predators of daytime
how is a cactus adapted
small leaves to reduce water loss, long horizontal roots to maximise rainfall collection, store water in leaves and stem
what is an extremophile with example
organisms adapted to live in extreme conditions
bacteria in deep sea vent - can live in high temp, pressure, and salt concentration
