interdependance Flashcards
why do most plants and flowers grow in spring?
to catch as much light as possible before the beech tree leaves are fully out.
why do plants find it difficult to grow in summer?
because larger trees take most of the light, minerals and water.
name 2 things that are in competition with each other?
beach tree leaves and flowers
what is an ecological niche?
the role an animal plays that contributes toward the ecosystem (where they populate)
what are the two types of squirrels that are in competition?
the native red squirrel and the american grey squirrel
what has resulted in a decline of red squirrels?
grey squirrels taking over wooded area
what is the competition between red and grey squirrel called?
inter specific competition, because its between two different species
what would competition between different grey squirrels be called?
intraspecific competition
how do oxpeckers help buffalo?
they feed on the insects that live on buffalos skin. In return the oxpecker gets plenty of food
what does a tapeworm do?
takes food from its host to grow
where does a tapeworm grow?
in its hosts digestive system
why doesent a tapeworm kill its host?
because otherwise it would die
what is a relationship called where both animals benefit eachother?
mutualism
give an example of a cleaner species?
the shark sucker which attaches itself to sharks. It eats the parasites and in return the shark offers protection
what is a lemming?
a small hampster like animal that lives in the arctic
what causes a change in population (lemmings)?
because they reproduce rapidly it means food becomes scarce so the population drops. However when it becomes too low food grows so female lemmings can reproduce
what hunts lemmings?
snowy owls
what is a pea plant?
a legume
what is the structure of a pea plant?
it has roots called root nodules
what do the root nodules do to nitrogen?
a bacteria lives inside the nodules that convert nitrogen into nitrates. These bacteria are called nitrogen-fixing bacteria
how are the pea plant and nodules mutualistic?
the nitrates help it grow. The pea plants gives the bacteria sugar, which then turns into energy
