Ecology and Adaptations Flashcards
What are abiotic factors
Physical conditions that affect the distrubution of an organism
What are some examples of abiotic factors
- temp.
- light intensity
- Oxygen levels (marine) and CO2 levels (plants)
- soil pH and mineral content (plants)
What are biotic factors
factors caused by living organisms affecting other populations in their ecosystems
Examples of biotic factors
- food availability
- new pathogens and predators
- competition between species
What are the 3 different types of adaptations
behavioural, structural (parts of the body) and functional (how the body operates)
Examples of behavioural adaptations in hot temp.
- most active during cold morning and move to shade
- stay in burrows
examples of behavioural adpatations in cold temp.
- hibernate over winter, metabolic rate lowered
- migrate to warmer countries with more food
What are functional and structural adaptations in hot temp.
- keep insulating fat to a minimum
- don’t sweat
- have large surface: volume ratio to maximise heat loss e.g. large ears
What are functional and structural adaptations in cold temp.
- thick fur and blubber
- small surface are: volume ratio
How do plants adapt to hot climates
- reducing surface area: volume ratio
- store water in their tissues
- having extensive root systems (wide or deep)
How do plants adapt to cold climates
- growing close to ground (avoid wind damage)
- having small leaves
What are extremophiles
organisms that can survive in very extreme conditions such as;
- extreme temp.
- high salt conc. water
- high pressures