U2 KA4 Flashcards
1
Q
What is an Abiotic factor?
A
- non-living variables of an environment that can influence organisms.
- eg. Water, pH, Temperature.
2
Q
What is a Biotic Factor?
A
- a living organism that shapes its environment.
- eg. animals, plants.
3
Q
What is a conformer?
A
- an organism whose metabolic rate is dependent on changes in the external environment.
4
Q
How do Conformers maintain an optimal metabolic rate?
A
- they change their behaviours.
- eg. reptile laying in the sun to maintain an optimal temperature.
5
Q
What is a Regulator?
A
- an organism that can control its metabolic rate by controlling their internal environment.
6
Q
How do Regulators maintain an optimal metabolic rate?
A
- they control their internal environment.
7
Q
What metabolic costs and niche ranges do Conformers have?
A
- low metabolic costs.
- narrow niche range.
8
Q
What metabolic costs and niche ranges do Regulators have?
A
- high metabolic costs.
- wide niche range.
9
Q
What is homeostasis?
A
- a self-regulating process that occurs in organisms to maintain balance in their internal environments.
10
Q
What is Thermoregulation?
A
- the mechanism by which mammals and birds control their body temperature.
11
Q
What part of the brain controls thermoregulation?
A
- hypothalamus.
12
Q
What are the bodies responses to an increase in temperature?
A
- vasodilation of blood vessels.
- decrease in metabolic rate.
13
Q
What are the bodies responses to an decrease in temperature?
A
- vasoconstriction of blood vessels.
- hair erector muscles contract.
- increase in metabolic rate.
