ecology - Adaptations, interdependence and competition

organism

an individual living thing

population

number of particular species living in a habitat

community

lots of different populations of species living in the area

ecosystem

the interaction of a community of living organisms with the non-living parts of their environment

plants compete for

light, space, water and mineral ions form the soil

animals compete for

food mates and territory

interdependence

species within community depending another species for survival

why is interdependence important?

if one species is removed it can affect the whole community

interdependence for pollination

flowering plants depend on insects like bees and butterflies for pollination.

interdependence for seed dispersal

animals or birds may carry plant seeds away from the parent plant to reduce competition

interdependence for food

pandas rely on bamboo for food

interdependence for shelter

clown fish are protected  from predators by the stinging tentacles of the anemone.​

a stable community

where all species and environmental factors are in balance so population size stays fairly constant

why is competition important?

helps maintain balance

abiotic

non living

biotic

living

abiotic factors that affect a community (7)

light intensity, temperature, moisture levels, soil PH and mineral content, wind intensity and direction, carbon dioxide levels (plants), oxygen levels ( for aquatic animals)

biotic factors that affect a community (4)

predation, food availability, new pathogens, competition

adaptations

features that enable organism to survive in conditions they normally live in.

types of adaptations

behavioural, structural, functional

behavioural adaptations

actions an organism takes e.g migration or hibernation

structural adaptations

how an organism is built e.g tree bark, camel humps, cacti with needle like leaves

functional adaptations

how the organism works e.g desert lizards producing concentrated urine to conserver water

extremophiles

organisms living in extreme environments e.g high temps, pressure or salt conc

acidophile

organisms living in acidic conditions

hydrophilic

water loving

how do extremophiles survive

adaptations

example of a extremophile

bacteria living in deep sea vents