Ecosystems Flashcards
What is an Ecoystem?
An ecosystem is the name given to a community or group of living organisms (animals and plants) that live in a particular habitat. It is the interaction between living and non-living things in this environment.
Give the definition of a ‘community’.
All the plants and animals found in a particular habitat.
Give the definition of a ‘population’.
A population is all the organisms of the same speciesin an area.
List 3 resources that animals compete for
Any 3 from:
Water
Mates
Shelter
Food
Territory
List 3 resources that plants compete for
Any 3 from:
Light
Root space
Mineral ions
Water
What is meant by the term ‘niche’?
A niche is a particular part or role an organism has within an ecosystem.
Each organism living in a habitat has its own niche.
Define the term ‘adaptation’ of an organism.
These are features of their physical bodies or the way that they behave which allow them to survive and reproduce.
List 3 adaptations of an organism that lives in a cold habitat e.g. the Arctic.
- Camouflaged to the environment
- Large body size
- Thick layer of fur
- Layer of blubber
- Small ears
- Streamlined shape
List 3 adaptations of an organism that lives in a hot environment.
- Camouflaged to the environment
- Small body size
- Thin layer of fur
- Large ears
- Dry dung (poo)
- Small body size
- Less sweating
- Longer legs to keep their body off hot surfaces e.g. camels legs are long
What is meant by the term ‘interdependence’
All the organisms in an ecosystem are dependent upon each other for survival
What is a habitat?
The natural home or environment of an animal, plant, or other organism.
Give 3 examples of a habitat
- Desert
- Rainforest
- Jungle
- Woodland
- Grassland
- River
- Pond
- Lake
Ecology is…
The branch of Biology that studies organisms and their relationships with the living and non-living environment in which they live.
What are the 4 levels of organisation of organisms in an ecosytems?
Individual organism –> Population –> Community –> Ecosystem
What is a biotic factor and list 3 examples.
Living factors (Biotic factors):
e.g. availability of food, predators, pathogens, animals, plants etc.
What is an abiotic factor and list 3 examples.
Non-living factors (Abiotic factors):
e.g. temperature, light intensity, moisture levels, oxygen levels, soil pH and mineral content, wind intensity, carbon dioxide levels, oxygen levels.
What is meant by the term ‘competition’?
When there are limited resources for a plant or animal to survive and reproduce they ‘compete’ for these resources.
What is a ‘stable community’?
Astablecommunity is one where all the species and environmental factors are in balance so that population sizes remain fairly constant.
Why do organisms (animals & plants) need adaptations?
Organisms have features (adaptations) that enable them to survive in the conditions in which they normally live.
List some general adaptations for an animal living in a COLD environment
- Colouring is camouflaged to the environment
- Small surface: volume ratio
- Larger body size
- Streamlined shape (if lives in water)
- Layer of blubber
- Small ears
List some general adaptations for an animal living in a HOT environment
- Larger surface area: volume ratio
- Colouring is camouflaged to the environment
- Smaller body size
- Thin layer of fur (less insulation)
- Large ears
The cactus plant lives in very hot, dry conditions in the desert. Describe some of the adaptations of cacti.
- Waxy layer: to prevent water evaporating
- Thin spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss via transpiration
- Extensive root systems underground to maximise water absorption
What do food chains show?
Food chains show the transfer of energy through a food chain.
What type of organism is always the start of a food chain.
A producer - they can produce their own food by photosynthesis
Give 3 examples of producers
Green plants, algae or cyanobacteria) which makes food (glucose) by photosynthesis.
What is the name given to each level of the food chain?
Each level of a food chain is called a trophic level.
How do decomposers form part of some food chains?
Decomposers are bacteria and fungi which break down dead plant and animal matter.
What type of consumer is the organism that eats the producer?
Primary consumer
What type of consumer is the organism that eats the primary consumer?
Secondary consumer
What type of consumer is the organism that eats the secondary consumer?
Tertiary consumer
What are apex predators and give an example.
Apex predators are carnivores with no predators. You will find them at the top of a food chain e.g. killer whale
Distinguish between predators and prey
Apredatoris an animal that hunts and eats other animals, and thepreyis the animal that gets eaten by the predator.
List some key adaptations of good predators
Camouflage, speed, agility, sharp claws and teeth, stealth, enhanced senses, monocular vision etc.
List some key adaptations of prey animals
Camouflage, warning colouration, mimicry, speed, agility, binocular vision, protective body armor, group defensive, chemical defences
