Topic 1: Life on Earth Flashcards
What is a species?
A species is a group of organisms which can interbreed and produce fertile offspring.
What is biodiversity?
The variety and abundance of all living organisms
What is a population
The number of ONE species living in an area
What is a producer?
A producer is an organism which makes its own food by photosynthesis.
What is a consumer?
An organism that needs to eat other organisms to obtain food.
What is a herbivore?
Organisms that eat plants only.
What is a carnivore?
Organisms that eat animals only.
What is an omnivore?
Organisms that eat animals and plants.
What is a predator?
An animal which hunts other animals (prey) for food
What is a prey?
Prey is an animal which is hunted and killed by the predator
What is a food chain
A food chain is a diagram which shows a simple feeding relationship between organisms
What is an ecosystem?
An ecosystem consists of all the living organism and the non-living parts.
What is a niche?
A niche is the role an organism plays within its community
When does competition occur?
Competition occurs when the resources organisms require are in short supply.
When does interspecific competition occur?
Interspecific competition occurs amongst individuals of different species for one or a few of the resources they require.
When does intraspecific competition occur?
Intraspecific competition occurs amongst individuals of the same species and is for all resources required.
Which type of competition is more intense?
Intraspecific competition is more intense than interspecific competition.
What is an abiotic factor? Give examples
Abiotic factors are non living factors
Eg:
- light intensity
- moisture
- pH
- temperature.
What is a biotic factor? Give examples
Biotic factors are living factors
Eg:
- competition (for resources)
- disease
- food availability
- grazing
- predation
Describe the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on biodiversity and the distribution of organisms
identify factors which can cause an increase or a decrease in biodiversity
