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Biology Gcse Full 25-26 > B16-Adaptations,interdependence And Competition > Flashcards

B16-Adaptations,interdependence And Competition Flashcards

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1
Q

What is abundance?

A

A measure of how common or rare a particular type of organism is in a given environment

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2
Q

What is a community?

A

A group of interdependent living organisms in an ecosystem

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3
Q

What is distribution?

A

Where particular types of organisms are found within an environment

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4
Q

What is interdependence?

A

The network of relationships between different organisms within a community, for example each species depends on other species for food, shelter, pollination, seed dispersal etc

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5
Q

What is a quadrat?

A

A sample area used for measuring the abundance and distribution of organisms in the field

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6
Q

What is quantitative sampling?

A

Records the number of organisms rather than just the type

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7
Q

What is qualitative sampling

A

Data that is descriptive and based on observations, not numbers.

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8
Q

What is a sample size?

A

The size of a sample in an investigation

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9
Q

What is a transect?

A

A measured line or area along which ecological measurements are made

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10
Q

What is a biotic component of an ecosystem?

A

A living component of an ecosystem

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11
Q

What is an abiotic component of an ecosystem?

A

A non-living component of the ecosystem

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12
Q

What is a producer?

A

Organisms that produce organic molecules from simple inorganic materials and use them as an energy source. Examples include green plants and algae

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13
Q

What is a consumer?

A

Organisms that feed on the organic matter made by plants, they are Heterotrophs

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14
Q

What are Heterotrophs?

A

Organisms which cannot create their own food from inorganic matter

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15
Q

What is a decomposer?

A

Microorganisms that break down dead or undigested organic material. They are important in nutrient cycling

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16
Q

What is a trophic level?

A

One of the steps in a food chain. Defined by where the organic matter comes from

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17
Q

What is a habitat?

A

The place where an organism lives. It provides the correct environmental conditions (physical, chemical, biological)

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18
Q

What is a population?

A

Group of organisms of the same species living in the same space at the same time

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19
Q

What is a niche?

A

The way of life and role of an organism?

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20
Q

What is a species?

A

A group of organisms with similar characteristics that can potentially interbreed and produce fertile offspring

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21
Q

Required Practical-Describe the practical for investigating the total population size in an area:

A

1) Collect all necessary equipment
2) Measure the length and width of the area you are investigating and calculate the area
3) Split this area into a 1x1m square grid where every square has a unique number
4) Use a random number generator to select a random number which which corresponds to a square
5) Repeat step 4 10 times in order to have a larger and more accurate sample size
6) Place your quadrat at the 10 positions selected and count the number of organisms chosen within the area (if over half the organism is located within the area include it in your count)
7) Find a mean average of daisies per quadrat
8) Divide the average number of daisies by the area of the quadrat
9) Multiply the number calculated by the total area of the area being investigated
10) Record results in appropriate table or graph

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22
Q

Required practical-Describe the practical to discover how the population of an organism is distributed due to biotic and abiotic factors:

A

1) Collect all necessary equipment
2) Lay a straight tape measure along the area you will be sampling
3) Place the quadrat at the start of your transect
4) Count the number of organisms chosen within the quadrat (if over half the organism is within or under the quadrat include it in your count)
5) Take a measure of the biotic / abiotic factors you are investigating
6) Move the quadrat 1 quadrat length along the transect
7) Repeat steps 4-6 until you have sampled the entire length of the transect
8) Record results in appropriate table or graph

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23
Q

What is the primary source of energy for an ecosystem?

A

The sun

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24
Q

What substances are cycled through an ecosystem?

A

Carbon, Nitrogen, Water

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25
What is a stable community?
A community in which all the species and environmental factors are in balance so that population sizes remain fairly constant
26
Name 6 ways in which communities are interdependent:
Plants produce food by photosynthesis (using energy from the sun) Animals eat plants Animals pollinate plants Animals eat other animals Animals use plant and animal materials to build nests and shelter Plants need nutrients from animal droppings and decay
27
What 7 abiotic factors affect communities?
Light Intensity Temperature Moisture levels Soil pH and mineral content Wind intensity and direction Availability of oxygen Availability of carbon dioxide
28
What 4 biotic factors affect communities?
Availability of food New pathogens or parasites New predators Interspecific competition
29
How does light intensity affect communities?
Light limits photosynthesis, so light intensity also affects the distribution of plants and animals. Some plants are adapted to live in low light level, they may have broader leaves or more chlorophyll, and therefore are more abundant than most other plants that require plenty of light. This may also affect the animal species found in the area that eat certain plants
30
How does temperature affect communities?
Temperature is a limiting factor on photosynthesis and therefore growth in plants. In cold climates plants are small due to little photosynthesis, this in turn affects the numbers of herbivores that can survive and so the number oif carnivores in the community
31
How does moisture levels affect communities?
Many plants cannot survive in waterlogged soils. Their roots are unable to respire, they rot and the plant dies. Other plants, such as pitcher plants, grow best in bogs where the moisture levels are high. If there is no water, there will be little or no life.
32
How does soil pH and mineral content affect communities?
The level of mineral ions, ie nitrate ions, affect the distribution of plants. Carnivorous plants thrive in nutrient poor soils as despite the low nitrate levels, they can trap and digest animal prey. In this way the nitrates are provided when they break down the animal protein. Furthermore, the pH of the soil has a major effect on which plants can grow there and the rate of decay and therefore the release of mineral ions back into the soil. A low (acidic) pH inhibits decay.
33
How does wind intensity and direction affect ecosystems?
In areas with a strong prevailing wind, the shape of the tree and the whole landscapes is affected by the wind. It also means that plants transpire faster.
34
How does availability of oxygen affect communities?
The availability of oxygen affects water-living organisms. Some invertebrate can survive in water with low oxygen levels. However, most fish require a high level of dissolved oxygen. The proportion of oxygen in the air varies very little.
35
How does the availability of carbon dioxide affect communities?
The level of carbon dioxide acts as a limiting factor for photosynthesis and plant growth. It can also affect the distribution of organisms.
36
How does availability of food affect communities?
when there is plenty of food, organisms will breed successfully. However, when food is in short supply, animals struggle to survive and often do not breed. Offspring may also die if there is not a plentiful supply of food
37
How do pathogens or parasites affect communities?
New pathogens or parasites can damage and even wipe out populations in a community as organisms will have no resistance to the disease
38
How do new predators affect communities?
New predators arriving will mean that organisms have no defences against the new predators and therefore may be quickly wiped out
39
How does interspecific competition affect communities?
interspecific competition may cause new species to outcompete another to the point where numbers become too low for successful breeding
40
What is ecology
The branch of Biology that studies organisms and their relationships with the living and non-living environment in which they live.
41
What are the 4 levels of organisation of organisms in an ecosytems?
Individual organism –> Population –> Community –> Ecosystem
42
What is meant by the term ‘competition’?
When there are limited resources for a plant or animal to survive and reproduce they ‘compete’ for these resources.
43
Name the 2 types of competition.
1) INTRA-specific competition 2) INTER-specific competition
44
What is meant by ‘intra-specific’ competition?
Competition between members of thesamespecies e.g. 2 lions fighting over territory.
45
What is meant by ‘inter-specific’ competition?
Competition between members ofdifferentspecies e.g. a lion and a tiger
46
3 things animals compete for
Mates Territory Food
47
Name 4 things plants compete for
Space Light Water Mineral ions
48
Describe the relationship between predators and prey
The predator-prey relationship is a cyclical relationship. The size of each population directly affects the size of the other.
49
Why do organisms (animals & plants) need adaptations?
Organisms have features (adaptations) that enable them to survive in the conditions in which they normally live.
50
Name 3 types of adaptations an animal may have
Structural adaptations Behavioural adaptations Functional adaptations
51
Even thought a polar bear is very large, why does it have a SMALL surface area: volume ratio?
The polar bear does not have enough surface area on the outside to fill the even larger volume on the inside.
52
List some general adaptations for an animal living in a COLD environment
Colouring is camouflaged to the environment Small surface: volume ratio Larger body size Streamlined shape (if lives in water) Layer of blubber Small ears
53
List some general adaptations for an animal living in a HOT environment
Larger surface area: volume ratio Colouring is camouflaged to the environment Smaller body size Thin layer of fur (less insulation) Large ears
54
The cactus plant lives in very hot, dry conditions in the desert. Describe some of the adaptations of cacti.
Waxy layer: to prevent water evaporating Thin spines instead of leaves to reduce water loss via transpiration Extensive root systems underground to maximise water absorption
55
Describe 2 examples of an ‘extreme environment’
1) Very high or low temperatures 2) Very high or low pressures 3) Very high salt concentration.
56
Define extremophiles
Organisms that can survive and reproduce in an extreme environment
57
Which types of habitat may have an ‘extreme environment’?
An example of habitats where extremophiles are found aredeep-sea volcanic vents, where the conditions are extremelyhot, under highpressureand there is no sunlight.
58
What is the formula for estimating the total number of organisms in an area?
(Total area of field/area of one quadrat) x mean number of organisms
59
How can a quadrat be used to estimate total population size of an area?
By randomly placing quadrats within a habitat and counting the number of individuals or species within each quadrat, scientists can calculate an average density and use this to estimate the total population size of the habitat.
60
What is random sampling?
Random sampling involves selecting sample areas or individuals randomly within a habitat, ensuring that each part of the habitat has an equal chance of being sampled.
61
What could you use to ensure the areas sampled are random?
A random number generator to generate random coordinates.
62
How could you make your sampling investigation more precise?
Repeat with more quadrats. This will make the results more precise and more representative of the entire area.
63
Explain why it’s important to use random sampling when using quadrats.
Random sampling ensures that the data collected is representative of the entire habitat, reducing bias and providing a more accurate estimate of population size or distribution.
64
What precautions should be taken to minimize bias when using quadrats?
Precautions include randomizing the placement of quadrats, ensuring quadrats are large enough to capture variation in the habitat, and repeating sampling multiple times to account for variability.
65
How can quadrats be used to study changes in biodiversity over time?
By repeatedly sampling the same area with quadrats over time, scientists can observe changes in the diversity and abundance of species, providing insights into ecosystem health and dynamics.
66
What are some limitations of using quadrats for ecological sampling?
Limitations include the inability to sample mobile or hidden organisms, the potential for bias if quadrats are not placed randomly, and the time and effort required for large-scale studies.
67
Explain how a change in an abiotic factor could affect a community.
reproduction of organisms. If a species cannot cope with the new conditions, its population may decrease or it may die out. This can affect other organisms in the food web, changing the structure of the whole community.
68
explain how a change in a biotic factor might affect a given community given appropriate data or context.
A change in a biotic factor (e.g. new predator, disease, competition) can affect population sizes. For example, if a new predator is introduced, prey numbers may fall. This affects the food web and can cause other species to increase or decrease, changing the community structure.
69
To survive and reproduce what must organisms do?
To survive and reproduce, organisms require a supply of materials from their surroundings and from the other living organisms there.
70
What is an adaptation?
An adaptation is a feature or characteristic that helps an organism survive and reproduce in its environment.
71
Define territory
An area that an animal defends for feeding, mating, or raising young.
72
What is a structural adaptation
Physical feature
73
What is a functional adaptation
Processes inside the body
74
What is a behavioural adaptation
A way an organism behaves
75
What is meant by 'reproducible' in sampling?
Getting similar results when the investigation is repeated using the same method.
76
What is the importance of interdependence and competition in a community?
Interdependence keeps the community stable—organisms rely on each other for food, shelter, pollination, etc. Competition affects survival—organisms must compete for limited resources.
77
How do oxygen levels (abiotic factor) affect aquatic animals and the community?
Low oxygen levels in water can cause fish and other aquatic animals to die or move away. This reduces food for predators and changes the balance of the food web, affecting the whole aquatic community.
78
What do plants need in order to survive
Light,co2,water,o2 and mineral ions
79
What do animals need in order to survive
Food,water,o2
80
Adaptations of plants in dry environments
Small or no leaves – Like cacti, to stop water loss. Thick, waxy skin – Helps keep water inside the plant. Spines instead of leaves – Spines reduce water loss and protect the plant from animals. Shallow, wide roots – Spread out to catch as much rainwater as possible.
81
Adaptations of plants in wet environments
Large, broad leaves – To catch more sunlight in the shady forest. Drip tips – Pointed tips on leaves that help rainwater run off quickly to avoid mold. Climbing plants (vines) – Grow up trees to reach sunlight.
82
Adaptations of plants in windy or cold environments
Small, low-growing plants – Stay close to the ground to avoid wind damage. Dark-colored leaves – Absorb more heat from the sun. Hairy stems or leaves – Trap heat and protect from the cold.
83
Adaptations in poor soil or rocky areas
Deep roots – Reach far down to find water and nutrients. Carnivorous plants (like Venus flytrap) – Trap insects to get extra nutrients. Slow growth – Use fewer resources to survive longer.
84
Adaptations of marine mamalls
Thick layer of blubber,can withstand a lot of anerobic respiration,smaller surface area to volume ratio(larger size)
85
What is an ecosystem
An ecosystem is the interaction of a community of living organisms (biotic) with the non-living (abiotic) parts of their environment.
86
What type of relationship is the predator-prey
Cyclical
87
Why animals compete for food
FOOD PROVIDES ANIMALS WITH THE ENERGY THEY REQUIRE FOR GROWTH AND REPRODUCTION
88
Why animals compete for mates
ANIMALS REQUIRE MATES IN ORDER TO REPRODUCE (PRODUCE OFFSPRING) AND PASS ON THEIR GENES
89
Why di animals compete for territory
SOME ANIMALS COMPETE FOR TERRITORY. THIS IS AN AREA OF HABITAT THAT PROVIDES AN INDIVIDUAL WITH RESOURCES SUCH AS WATER, FOOD, SHELTER AND MATES
90
Why do plants compete for light
PLANTS REQUIRE LIGHT FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN ORDER TO PRODUCE GLUCOSE, WHICH PROVIDES THEM WITH ENERGY FOR GROWTH
91
Why do plants compete for space
PLANTS REQUIRE SPACE ABOVE SOIL (SO LEAVES CAN ABSORB MAXIMUM SUNLIGHT) AND BELOW SOIL (SO ROOTS CAN ABSORB WATER AND MINERAL IONS)
92
Why do plants compete for water
WATER IS ESSENTIAL FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND THEREFORE PLANT GROWTH
93
Why do plants compete for mineral ions(from the soil)
PLANTS REQUIRE VARIOUS MINERAL IONS SUCH AS NITRATE IONS (USED TO MAKE PROTEINS) AND MAGNESIUM IONS (USED TO MAKE CHLOROPHYLL)
94
Quantitative data on the distribution of organisms can be obtained by:
– random sampling with quadrats to estimate a number – sampling along a transect to find a trend
95
Environmental changes affect the distribution of species in an ecosystem. These changes include:
• temperature • availability of water • composition of atmospheric gases.
96
How do these changes in the environment happen
The changes may be seasonal, geographic or caused by human interaction.
97
How can environmental changes affect the distribution of species in an ecosystem?
Environmental changes like temperature, water availability, and pollution can cause species to: Move to new areas (e.g., cooler places if it gets warmer) Decrease in number if conditions become unsuitable Increase if conditions improve This changes where species are found in the ecosystem
98
What does temperature show
Geographic variation
99
What are lichens extremely sensitive to
Sulfur dioxide

Biology Gcse Full 25-26 (11 decks)

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