B4.1 adaptations to the environment

habitat

where an organism lives

how is marram grass adapted

thick waxy cuticle to prevent water loss
rolled leaves with stomata at the bottom of deep pits that are then protected by hairs
thickened sclerenchyma to act as scaffolding to prevent wilting
Fructans that store carbohydrates in the roots to lower osmotic potential.

how are mangrove trees adapted

Pneumatophores are aerial roots that take in oxygen from the atmosphere in anaerobic, waterlogged soil.
Cable Roots that grow in the oxygenated surface water. 
Buttress roots are very strong and keep the tree above the tidal waters. 
Stilt Roots that grow in an arch above the water for aeration. 
Salt secretion from specialised glands in their leaves. 
Buildup of minerals and mannitol in the roots and leaves to lower internal osmotic potential.

distribution

describes where an organism is found

lichens

indicator species of acid deposition to measure sulphur dioxide

population size equation - capture recapture

(number in original sample x number in second sample) / number marked in second sample

polyps

tiny individual corals

keystone species

vital importance for their ecosystem and for people

why are coral reefs at risk

increasing ocean acidification and ocean temperatures, sedimentation, damage from tourists

what water depth do corals grow in

shallow, 2-45m

what pH do corals grow in

slightly alkaline, 8.0-8.4

what salinity do corals grow in

30-37ppm

what is the optimum temperature for corals to grow in

ideally 23-29 degrees, but anywhere from 18-40

optimum water clarity for corals

clear for maximum light penetration

Common adaptations to the desert

Water storage, spines for leaves & wide spreading roots, CAM metabolism for plants, camouflage, burrowing in the day or being nocturnal, large ears and light colour furs

Common adaptations to rainforests

tall tree trunks, large & wide spreading roots, evergreen leaves, strong limbs/tails or sticky pads/paws for climbing , colours for camouflage or to deter, highly developed larynx

what are CAM plants

absorb light energy during the day for the 1st stage, but open the stomata and take in carbon dioxide for the second stage at night time only - less water lost via stomata at night time

biome

groups of ecosystems with similar communities due to similar abiotic conditions and convergent evolution

what are the 6 biomes

taiga, temperate forest, hot desert, tropical rainforest, grassland, tundra

tundra

very cold, dry and icy

hot desert

very hot, dry

tropical rainforest

hot and wet

temperate forest

warm and wet

grassland

warm, medium precipitation

taiga

cold, wet