Interdependence, Adaptation and Competition

What is an ecosystem?

The interaction between a community of living organisms and their environment.

What is a community?

Two or more populations of organisms.

What is a producer?

A plant or algae that produces its own energy through photosynthesis

What is a primary consumer?

A herbivore which eat producers

What is a secondary consumer?

Carnivores which eat primary consumers

What is a tertiary consumer?

Carnivores which eat secondary consumers

What makes a stable community?

Where the size of populations of all the species are constant over time.

What is interdependence?

All organisms in an ecosystem depend on each other for food, protection and shelter to survive.

What do animals in an ecosystem compete for?

Food, mates and territory

What causes competition?

If a group of organisms all need the same resource.

What do plants compete for?

Light, space, water and mineral ions.

What are abiotic factors?

Non-living factors

What are examples of abiotic factors?

Light intensity, temperature, moisture levels, soil pH and mineral content, wind intensity and direction, carbon dioxide and oxygen levels.

What are examples of biotic factors?

Availability of food, new predators, new pathogens and out-competition.

What are examples of structural adaptations?

Spines, thorns, claws, good vision and good hearing.

What are examples of behavioural adaptations?

Plant shoots growing towards the light, male birds flaring their feathers to attract female mates, burrowing and hunting in packs.

What are examples of psychological adaptations?

Producing venom, nettles stinging and mosquitos producing a chemical that prevents blood clotting.

What is an extremophile?

An organism that lives in an extreme environment.

What are adaptations of animals in polar regions?

Having a small surface area to volume ratio to minimise heat loss, layers of fat for insulation, camouflage to hide predators and prey.

What are adaptations of animal in desert regions?

Concentrated urine to retain water, nocturnal due to cooler nights, increased surface area to volume ratio to maximise heat loss.

What are adaptations of deep sea volcanic vents?

Bacteria feed from chemicals released by the vents, worms feed on the bacteria.