Ecology+ Variation Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is a community?
The population of different species living in a habitat
What is an ecosystem?
The interaction of biotic and abiotic organisms in a given environment
What are the four things plants need to survive?
- light
- space
- mineral ions
- water
What are the three ways that animals adapt?
- structurally
- behaviouraly
- functionally
What is meant by structural adaptations?
Changing the bodies structure e.g. fur colour for camouflage (usually a sign of evolution)
What is meant by behavioural adaptation?
Changing their behaviours to adapt to the changing environment e.g migrating to warmer climates to avoid the cold
What is meant by functional adaptations?
Adapting for better survival e.g. hibernation
What is the equation for mean organisms in an area using a quadrat?
Total number of organisms / number of quadrants = mean organisms in an area
How can you estimate the percentage cover of plants using a quadrant?
- place the quadrant on the ground
- count any square which is more than half filled with the plant
- calculate the amount of squares as a total percentage of the total quadrat
Why is it difficult to help with biodiversity?
- cost of programmes
- effect on local economies e.g. unemploying lumberers
- protecting food security (reducing deforestation reduces farmland
- development of society
What is meant by envirnomental variation?
When characteristics of an organism are influenced by the environment e.g. minimal light could mean plant leaves are yellow not green
Which chromome is male, X or Y?
Y
