Ecology and Adaptations

Question 1

What are abiotic factors

Answer 1

Physical conditions that affect the distrubution of an organism

Question 2

What are some examples of abiotic factors

Answer 2

• temp.
• light intensity
• Oxygen levels (marine) and CO2 levels (plants)
• soil pH and mineral content (plants)

Question 3

What are biotic factors

Answer 3

factors caused by living organisms affecting other populations in their ecosystems

Question 4

Examples of biotic factors

Answer 4

• food availability
• new pathogens and predators
• competition between species

Question 5

What are the 3 different types of adaptations

Answer 5

behavioural, structural (parts of the body) and functional (how the body operates)

Question 6

Examples of behavioural adaptations in hot temp.

Answer 6

• most active during cold morning and move to shade

- stay in burrows

Question 7

examples of behavioural adpatations in cold temp.

Answer 7

• hibernate over winter, metabolic rate lowered

- migrate to warmer countries with more food

Question 8

What are functional and structural adaptations in hot temp.

Answer 8

• keep insulating fat to a minimum
• don’t sweat
• have large surface: volume ratio to maximise heat loss e.g. large ears

Question 9

What are functional and structural adaptations in cold temp.

Answer 9

• thick fur and blubber

- small surface are: volume ratio

Question 10

How do plants adapt to hot climates

Answer 10

• reducing surface area: volume ratio
• store water in their tissues
• having extensive root systems (wide or deep)

Question 11

How do plants adapt to cold climates

Answer 11

• growing close to ground (avoid wind damage)

- having small leaves

Question 12

What are extremophiles

Answer 12

organisms that can survive in very extreme conditions such as;

• extreme temp.
• high salt conc. water
• high pressures