Ecology Flashcards
What is ecology?
Ecology is the study of how living things interact with each other and their environment
What is a habitat?
The habitat of an organism is the place where it lives
How do producers, consumers and decomposers each make food?
Producers make their own food - green plants
Consumers can’t make their own food and feed on other organisms - Carnivores, herbivores
Decomposers break down dead material - Bacteria, funghi
What is adaption?
Adaption is when an organism has characteristics that make it well suited to its environment
Give an example of plant adaptation
Nettles have stinging hairs to prevent them being eaten by certain animals
Give an example of animal adaptation
Earthworms are a dark colour for camouflage
What is competition?
Competition takes place when organisms struggle for the same resources in the habitat
Give an example of plant competition
Honeysuckle and ivy compete for light
Give an example of plant competition
Blackbirds and thrushes compete for berries
What is interdependence?
Interdependence is when two different types of organisms need each other