Interactions and interdependencies Flashcards
What are the four levels to ecological interactions?
Biosphere
Ecosystems
Communities
Populations
Define biosphere
The biosphere is the sum total of all the ecosystems on Earth
Define ecosystem
An area that consists of an ecological community where the biotic and abiotic exist and interact with each other
Define community
All biotic things in one habitat
Define habitat
The area in which an organism lives
Define biodiversity
The variety of life that occurs in one ecosystem/habitat
Define population
A group of individuals of the same species within a community
Give examples of biotic components
Plants, animals and humans
Give examples of abiotic components
Soil, sun, air, climate
Give one property of an ecosystem
Ecosystems do not have a specific size but enclose a limited area
What are some examples of an ecosystem?
Kruger National Park
Botanical Gardens
Gariep dam
What do all biotic organisms contribute to?
It contributes to the biodiversity of the ecosystem
What do biotic organisms adapt to?
They adapt to the environment they are in for survival
What is dependent on what?
Biotic organisms are dependent on other biotic organisms and dependent on abiotic factors. This makes them interdependent
What does the survival of individual organisms and populations depend on?
They depend on there ability to to integrate and adapt to the changes taking place within their habitat or ecosystem
What are the three different types of symbiosis?
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Define Mutualism
Both parties benefit from the relationship
Define commensalism
One party will benefit, while the other party will not benefit nor will it be disadvantaged
Define parasitism
One party will be disadvantaged while the other party benefits
Give two examples of mutualism
Crocodile and Egyptian plover
Bees and flowers
Give two examples of commensalism
White egret and cattle
Finches and trees
Give two examples of parasitism
Ticks and dogs
Dodder and other plants
What plays an important role in the survival of biotic organisms?
Abiotic factors such as Water, soil, oxygen and carbon dioxide
What are plants known as?
Producers
What are animals known as?
Consumers
What are producers also known as?
Autotrophs
What are herbivores?
Herbivores (Primary consumers) are animals that only eat plants
Why are herbivores known as primary consumers?
They are known as primary consumers because producers are their food
How are herbivores bodies adapted?
Their bodies are adapted so that they can eat and digest large amounts of plant material
How are many herbivores stomachs divided?
Their stomachs are divided into four parts
What is the name for animals whose stomachs are divided into four parts?
Ruminants
What does ruminate mean?
Plant-eating animals slightly chew their food before swallowing, later they regurgitate in small amounts to chew and finally swallow
What do carnivores eat?
Carnivores (Secondary and tertiary consumers) diets consist of other animals and they only eat meat
Why are carnivores secondary and tertiary consumers?
Because their diets consist of primary consumers (Herbivores)
What three groups can carnivores be split in?
Predators
Scavengers
Insectivores
How have carnivores adapted?
They have adapted so that it is easier for them to hunt . eg. sharp claws and sharp teeth
What are predators?
Predators are carnivores that hunt to get food
What are scavengers?
Scavengers are carnivores that feed on animals that are already dead
What are insectivores?
Insectivores are carnivores that mainly feed on insects and other small invertebrate
What is an omnivore?
An omnivores diet consists of meat and plants
