Ecosystem Factors and Adaptations

Flashcards covering ecosystem factors, interdependence, and environmental adaptations.

Plant Competition Factors

Plants may compete for light, space, water, and mineral ions from the soil.

Interdependence

Different species in an ecosystem depend on each other for various resources. Removing one species can affect the entire community.

Stable Community

A community where biotic and abiotic factors are balanced, keeping population sizes relatively constant.

Abiotic Factors Affecting Ecosystems

Abiotic factors include light intensity, temperature, moisture, soil pH and mineral content, wind intensity and direction, carbon dioxide level, and oxygen level.

Ecosystem

The area where species interact together in a community.

Light Intensity Impact on Ecosystem

Different plant species have different optimum light intensities for growth.

Temperature Impact on Ecosystem

Different plant and animal species have different optimum temperatures for growth and survival.

Soil pH Impact on Ecosystem

Certain plants grow better in alkaline or acidic soil. Soil pH can affect plant appearance (e.g., hydrangea color).

Moisture Level Impact on Ecosystem

Many plants cannot survive in waterlogged soil because their roots cannot respire. Some plants are adapted to high moisture levels.

Wind Intensity Impact on Ecosystem

Plant seeds are more likely to germinate in lower wind intensity locations, attracting dependent animals.

Soil Mineral Content Impact on Ecosystem

Most plants require a high level of soil minerals to grow well.

Carnivorous Plants Adaptation

Carnivorous plants catch insects to compensate for low soil mineral content.

Carbon Dioxide Concentration Impact on Ecosystem

Higher carbon dioxide concentration leads to more plant growth.

Oxygen Concentration Impact on Ecosystem

Aquatic animals cannot survive in areas with low oxygen concentration.

Biotic Factors Affecting Ecosystems

Biotic factors include food, new predators, new pathogens, and competition.

Extreme Living Environments

Examples of extreme living environments include high temperature, high pressure, and high salt concentration.