adaptations, communities and interdependence

• What are the different levels of organization in an ecosystem?


  Individual organisms, populations, communities, and ecosystems
• What is an ecosystem?


  An ecosystem is the interaction between living organisms and their non-living environment
• What is an individual organism?


  A single living organism, such as a lion
• What defines a population in an ecosystem?


  A population is a group of the same species living in a particular area
• What is a community in an ecosystem?


  A community consists of all the different species living together in a habitat
• What is interdependence in a community?


  Interdependence is when organisms rely on one another for resources
• What happens if one species is removed from a community?


  It can disrupt the whole community and affect other species
• What characterizes a stable community?


  A stable community has balanced species and environmental factors
• What do plants compete for in ecosystems?


  Light, space, water, and mineral ions
• What do animals compete for in ecosystems?


  Food, mates, and territory
• How are organisms adapted to their environment?

  Organisms are adapted to survive in specific abiotic and biotic conditions
• How does a cactus adapt to its environment?


  A cactus is adapted to dry conditions by storing water
• How is a cheetah adapted for survival?


  A cheetah is adapted for speed to catch prey
• What are the main components of interdependence in a community?


  • Organisms rely on each other for resources
  • Resources include food, shelter, pollination, and seed dispersal
  • Removal of one species can disrupt the community
• What are the key factors that contribute to competition in ecosystems?


  • Plants compete for:
  • Light
  • Space
  • Water and mineral ions
  • Animals compete for:
  • Food
  • Mates
  • Territory
• What are the adaptations of organisms to their environments?


  • Adaptations help organisms survive in abiotic and biotic conditions
  • Examples:
  • Cactus: stores water for dry conditions
  • Cheetah: adapted for speed to catch prey