Adaptation Flashcards
What is a population?
total number of organisms of the same species that live in a specific geographical area
What is a community?
group of two or more populations of different species living in a specific geographical area
What is an ecosystem?
the interaction of a community of living organisms with the non-living parts of their environment
What is competition?
contest between organisms within a community for resources
What is interdependence?
when species in a community depend on others for resources and shelter
What do animals often compete for?
food, mates and territory
What do plants often compete for?
light, space, water and mineral ions
What is an abiotic factor?
non-living factor in an ecosystem
What is a biotic factor?
living factor in an ecosystem
List the abiotic factors that can affect a community (7)
- carbon dioxide levels for plants
- light intensity
- moisture levels
- oxygen levels for aquatic life
- soil pH and mineral content
- temperature
- wind intensity and direction
List the biotic factors that can affect a community (4)
- availability of food
- new predators
- new pathogens
- competition between species
How do adaptations help an organism?
they enable the organism to survive in the conditions in which it lives
What are the 3 types of adaptations?
structural, behavioural and functional
Give a structural adaptation of a polar bear
feet with a large surface area to distribute weight on snow
