Adaptations, Interdependence and Competition

• Define community

  group of interdependent organisms containing different species
• Define ecosystem

  interaction with abiotic and biotic parts of environment
• What are abiotic factors?

  Non-living factors e.g. temperature, light intensity
• What are biotic factors?

  Living factors e.g. predators, pathogens
• Define population

  organisms that interbreed and live in the same area
• What is interdependence?

  How species depend on eachother to survive
• What is a stable community?

  when all species and factors are balanced
• 3 things animals compete for

  Food, mates and territory
• 4 things plants compete for

  Light, space, water, mineral ions
• What are extremophiles?

  organisms that live in extreme conditions
• Name for extremophiles that live in high temps

  Thermophiles
• Adaptation that polar bears have to survive cold climate

  Thick layer of fat + low SA:VR to retain heat
• behavioural adaptation of a penguin?

  Huddling
• Adaptation of camels that live in hot places

  Thin layer of fat + Large SA:VR to lose heat. Fat store in humps to regulate body temps
• Why do arctic foxes fur change from grey to white in winter?

  Better camouflage to avoid predators + Reduce heat loss by radiation
• How do plants lose water in hot conditions?

  Transpiration
• Why do plants have curled leaves in hot conditions?

  Traps moist air -> reduces transpiration
• Why do some plants have thorns?

  Prevent animals eating them
• Why do some plants have longer roots?

  Increase water uptake
• Why do cacti have swollen stems?

  To store water
• Why do cacti have spine-like leaves?

  Reduce water loss + prevent animals eating it