adaptations, interdependence and competition

• What are the four levels of organization within an ecosystem?

  Individual organism, population, community, ecosystem

  
• What is an individual organism?

  A single member of a species
• What defines a population in an ecosystem?

  Individuals of the same species in an area
• What is a community in ecological terms?

  Multiple populations of different species interacting
• How is an ecosystem defined?

  Interaction between biotic and abiotic parts
• What is competition in ecology?

  Organisms competing for limited resources
• What is intraspecific competition?

  Competition between members of the same species
• What is interspecific competition?

  Competition between different species
• What does adaptation mean in ecology?

  Features that help organisms survive and reproduce
• What is the relationship between organisms and their ecosystems?

  Organisms interact with biotic and abiotic factors
• Can ecosystems vary in size?

  Yes, from small to very large
• What is an example of a small ecosystem?

  A garden pond
• What is an example of a large ecosystem?

  The whole of Antarctica
• What do organisms need from their ecosystem to survive?

  Certain resources from their surroundings
• What are some examples of interactions within an ecosystem?

  Predators eating prey, herbivores eating plants
• What do plants compete for in a community?

  Limited resources such as light and nutrients

  
• What do animals compete for in a community?

  Limited resources such as food and shelter
• What is interdependence in a community?

  Species depending on each other for resources
• What happens if one species is removed from a community?

  It can affect the whole community
• What characterizes a stable community?

  Species and environmental factors are in balance
• What does a food web illustrate?

  The interdependence of organisms in an ecosystem
• What happens to grass plants if earthworm populations decrease?

  Grass plant populations would increase
• What happens to frog and mouse populations if earthworm populations decrease?

  Frog and mouse populations would decrease significantly
• What happens to sparrow populations if earthworm populations decrease?

  Sparrow populations would decrease slightly
• What does 'abiotic' mean in biology?

  Non-living factors in an ecosystem
• What are some examples of abiotic factors?

  Temperature, light, water, soil composition
• What is the effect of abiotic factors on a community?

  They can significantly affect organisms' survival

  
• What should you be able to do with data on abiotic factors?

  Extract and interpret information from charts
• What conclusion can be drawn from increased CO2 concentration on plant height?

  Higher CO2 leads to greater plant growth

  
• Why do plants need CO2?

  For photosynthesis to produce glucose
• What does 'biotic' mean in biology?

  Living factors in an ecosystem

  
• What are some examples of biotic factors?

  Plants, animals, fungi, bacteria

  
• What is the effect of biotic factors on a community?

  They can significantly affect organisms' survival

  
• What conclusion can be drawn from the introduction of grey squirrels?

  Grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels for resources

  
• Why might grey squirrels outcompete red squirrels?

  They are better adapted to use resources

  
• What are adaptations in organisms?

  Features that enable survival in their environment
• What types of adaptations exist?

  Structural, behavioral, and functional adaptations

  
• How do animals in cold regions adapt?

  Small surface area:volume ratio minimizes heat loss
• What is an example of a structural adaptation in cold regions?

  Thick layer of fat or fur
• How do desert animals adapt to retain water?

  Kidneys produce concentrated urine