Ecology Flashcards
What is ecology
The study of the interactions between living things and between organisms and their environment
Ecosystem
A group of organisms that interact with their environment e.g. grassland woodland lake
Habitat
A place where a living thing lives
E.g.
A robbin lives in a nest in a tree
A blackberry plant lives in the hedgerow
Study of a habitat steps
Map your area of study
Identify any abiotic factors
Qualitative study: identify the flora and the fauna of an area using a key
Quantitive study estimate the numbers of flora and fauna
Write a report
Abiotic factors
living factors that affect organisms in their habitat.
They can dictate where an organism might live.
Abiotic factors
Air Temperature- use a thermometer in the air
Soil temperature- use a soil thermometer
Soil ph- use a pH meter
Light intensity- use a light meter
Qualitative study
Determine what living things are present in your habitat using a key
Quadrat
Square frame used to estimate plant numbers.
Line transect
A rope is marked at regular intervals.
Each interval is called a station.
The type of plant touching each station is recorded.
Competition
“When organisms struggle for a resource in limited supply.”
Contest animals
Scramble plants
Prey adaptions (rabbit)
Long ears to hear predators
Eyes at side of head for wide field of vision
Powerful hind legs to move quickly
Predator adaptions (wolf)
Excellent vision
Strong jaw to chew food
Sleek to get through ditches
Interdependence
“The way organisms rely on each other.”
Crocodile birds help crocodiles by cleaning their teeth.
Crocodiles help crocodile birds by providing nutrients in their teeth.
