B16 - Adaptations, Interdependence and Competition

What is an ecosystem?

An ecosystem is the interaction of a community of living organisms with the non-living (abiotic) parts of their environment.

Where do organisms obtain materials and why do they need them

Organisms require materials from their surroundings and other living organisms to survive and reproduce

What is interdependence?

Within a community, each species depends on other species for food, shelter, pollination, seed dispersal, etc. If one species is removed then the whole community is affected

Describe a stable community?

A stable community is one where all the species and environmental factors are in balance so that populations sizes remain fairly constant.

List abiotic factors that may affect communites of organisms

* light intensity
* temperature
* moisture levels
* soil PH and mineral content
* wind intensity and direction
* carbon dioxide levels for plants
* availabillity of oxygen for aquatic animals

List biotic factors which may affect communities of organisms

* availabillity of foods
* new predators arriving
* new pathogens
* new competitors

What experimental methods are used by ecologists and why?

Transects and quadrats is used by ecologists to determine the distribution and abundance of species in an ecosystem.

What three factors does animals compete with each other for?

food, territory and mates

Animals have adaptations that make them …?

successful competitors

What do plants compete with each other for?

Light, space, water, and mineral ions from the soil

Plants have many adaptations which makes them …?

good competitors

To survive and reproduce, organisms need…?

A supply of materials from their surroundings and from the other living organisms in their habitat

What does adaptations in organisms enable them to do?

Survive in the conditions which they normally live in.

What does adaptations in extremophiles allow them to do?

Live in environments with extreme conditions of salt, temperature or pressure

What three types of adaptations are there?

Structural, behavioural and functional