Chapter 15 Flashcards
(9 cards)
What is an ecosystem ?
The interaction of a community of living organisms with the abiotic parts of the environment
What is interdependence ?
The dependance of two or more features in an environment
What is a stable community ?
Where all the species and environmental factors are in balance so population sizes remain fairly constant
What is a community ?
All different species that live simultaneously in the same habitat
What do animals and plants compete for in a habitat or community ?
Plants: -light -space -water -mineral ions Animals: -food and water -territory -mates
What abiotic factors can affect a community ?
- Light intensity
- Temperature
- Moisture levels
- soil pH and mineral content
- wind intensity and direction
- Carbon dioxide levels
- Oxygen levels (aquatic animals)
What biotic factors can affect a community ?
- Availability of food
- New predators
- New pathogens
- one species outcompeting another so the number a re no longer sufficient to breed
What are some adaptations of animals ?
Polar Bear:
- White fur to act as camouflage
- Thick layers of fat and fur for insulation
- small surface area to volume ratio to minimise heat loss
- Greasy coat which sheds water after swimming
What are extremophiles ?
Animals that survive and reproduce in the most difficult conditions, many are microorganisms such as archaea
