Unit 4: Interactions with ecosystems Flashcards
Definition of Ecology:
The scientific study of interactions (among organisms/ between organisms and their physical environment)
3 key terms in the study of an Ecosystem:
- Population: Living organisms of the same kind in the same area
- Community: The interactions of all populations within an area
- Habitat: The physical environment in which a species normally lives
Definition of an Ecosystem:
It is made up of the interactions between a community and its physical environment
The level of organisation in an ecosystem:
Organism -> Population -> Community -> Ecosystem
3 Main Types of Interactions among organisms of Different species:
- Predator-prey relationship (Causes harm -> Kills for food)
- Mutualism relationship (Both sides benefit)
- Parasitism (Causes harm -> Without killing host)
Definition of Predator-prey relationship:
An organism kills and consumes another organism for food
Period of interaction is short
Definition of Mutualism:
When two organisms of different species each benefit from the relationship
Period of interaction is longer
What do physical factors in an environment refer to?
The Non-living parts of the environment
What can physical factors in an environment influence living organisms?
- Distribution
- Behaviour
- Adaptation
(in habitat)
Definition of Parasitism:
An organism, known as the parasite, gains benefits from another oragnism, known as the host, and causes harm to the host without killing it
Period of interaction is longer
(Only one side benefits, the other is harmed)
The 6 common physical factors in an ecosystem:
- Sunlight
- Temperature
- Water
- pH level
- Air
- Minerals
How does Sunlight affect an ecosystem?
- Provides light energy for plants (Photosynthesis)
- Allows organisms to avoid danger and look for food
How does Temperature affect an ecosystem?
- Provides warmth
- Affects the Growth, Activities and Survival of organisms
How does Water affect an ecosystem?
- All living things require water for their survival
- Provides a suitable habitat for marine life
How does pH value affect an ecosystem?
- The acidity or alkalinity affects the types of organisms living in the area
How does Air affect an ecosystem?
- Provides carbon dioxide (Photosynthesis)
- Provides oxygen (Respiration)
How does Minerals affect an ecosystem?
Plants require essential elements such as potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus to produce biomolecules needed for its survival.
Definition of Adaptation:
Adaptation refers to how a species changes its body and behaviour to better suit its natural environment.
How do organisms cope with changing environmental conditions? (physical factors)
They are able to develop adaptive traits to increase their chance of survival and continuity of its kind in the specific area.
Definition of Structural Adaptation:
Physical feature of an organism’s body that helps it to survive or reproduce.
Definition of Behavioural Adaptation:
Behaviour or a response shown by an organism that helps it to survive or reproduce.
How is a stable ecosystem achieved?
When the interreltationships between organisms in a community are maintained
What are the factors affecting the stability of an ecosystem:
- Changes in environmental conditions in an ecosystem (Affects organisms’ distribution, behaviour and survival)
- The removal of any organism from the ecosystem (Disrupts food chain)
