Ecology: Adaptation, Interdependence And Competition Flashcards
What are adaptations?
Special features that allow organisms to survive in their natural habitats
What are the three types of adaptations?
Behavioral (actions), physical (body structures), and physiological (internal processes)
Give an example of behavioral adaptation
A bird migrating to avoid harsh winter conditions
Give an example of physical adaptation
Thick fur in polar bears for insulation
Give an example of a physiological adaptation
A snake producing venom to paralyze its prey
What are xerophytes?
Plants adapted to desert conditions with small leaves, spines, or deep roots to reduce water loss
How does camouflage help organisms?
It allows them to blend into their surroundings for protection or hunting
What are extremophiles?
Microorganisms that survive in extreme environments like volcanic vents or Antarctic ice
What is interdependence?
The reliance of species on each other for survival
Give an example of interdependence in nature
Bees rely on flowers for nectar, and flowers rely on bees for pollination
What happens when the population of one species changes in a community?
It can cause a domino effect, impacting other species
What are symbiotic relationships?
Close, long-term interactions between different species
What are the three types of symbiotic relationships?
Mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism
What is mutualism? Give an example.
Our relationship where both species benefit, e.g. bees and flowers
What is parasitism? Give an example.
One species benefits at the expense of the other, e.g. fleas on a dog
What is commensalism? Give an example.
One species benefits, while the other is unaffected, e.g barnacles on a whale
What is competition and ecosystems?
When organisms compete for limited resources
What are the two types of competition?
Intraspecific (within species) and interspecific (between species)
What resources do organisms compete for?
Food, water, mates, territory, and light (for plants)
What does the competitive exclusion principle state?
Two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist indefinitely
What happens to the weaker species in competition?
It may become extinct or be forced to adapt
What is resource partitioning?
When species share resources by using them at different times, in different ways, or in different places
What is allelopathy?
When some plants release chemicals to inhibit the growth of other plants, reducing competition
