Energy and Ecosystems

Question 1

What is carrying capacity?

Answer 1

Carrying capacity is the number of people, animals, or crops which a region can support without environmental degradation

Question 2

What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

Answer 2

A niche is the things needed by an organism in an ecosystem while the habitat is the area and factors allowing an organism to live.

Question 3

Explain the difference between a fundamental niche and a realised niche.

Answer 3

A fundamental niche is like the ideal set of conditions for an animal while the realised niche is what they are given while still able to survive

Question 4

Describe and explain (using an example if possible) how two similar organisms can live in the same habitat but occupy different niches.

Answer 4

There are multiple niches in an ecosystem so different organisms may live side by side but two organisms cannot coexist if they have the same niche as there may be too much competition

Question 5

Demonstrate how organisms with similar niches can avoid conflict by altering their own niches.

Answer 5

They won’t have to compete for the same resources so will avoid conflict and competition.

Question 6

What influences carrying capacity:

Answer 6

• Living space
• Food availability
• Water supply
• Environmental conditions