Interdependence and Disruption to Ecosystems

• Interdependence

  All species need each other for survival - it must be balanced. There can't be too many predators, nor too many/not enough prey or producers.
• Invasive species

  A plant/fungus/animal species that is not native to a particular location (an introduced species) and spreads to cause damage to the environment, human economy or human health.
• What do biotic factors rely on to survive?

  Abiotic factors.
• What do plants require in order to thrive?

  Certain temperature, soil chemistry and moisture.
• What do animals rely on for their food?

  Plants.
• What can throw an ecosystem off balance?

  What does this force animals/plants to do?

  Anything affecting any factor of an ecosystem.

  Adapt or die off.
• Give 4 examples of things that can disrupt ecosystems.

  Hedgerow removal.

  Agriculture (farming).

  Climate change.

  Natural change.
• How does hedgerow removal affect an ecosystem?

  Removing hedgerows to make bigger fields destroys habitats and changes the local balance - this can also affect the nutrient cycle.
• How does agriculture affect an ecosystem?

  Farming can be harmful - fertilisers can enter ponds and rivers causing eutrophication. Nitrate increases due to this, allowing algae to grow. This means that there is less oxygen, which may kills plants and animals.
• How does climate change affect an ecosystem?

  In some areas, the climate is changing too quickly for animals to adapt.

  Seasons are also changing, affecting plants and animals.
• How does natural change affect an ecosystem?

  Extreme weather (e.g. droughts/floods) can have a big impact, leading plants and animals to die.
• Give 2 examples of invasive species.

  Grey squirrels.

  Goldfish.
• How do grey squirrels impact an ecosystem?

  • Displace red squirrels.
  • Have a greater fitness.
  • Are more competitive for food.
  • Are larger and stronger.

  
  

  (e.g. Formby/Ainsdale)
• How do goldfish impact an ecosystem?

  • Someone put a handful in Lake Colorado.
  • The population grew rapidly.
  • Are competitive.
  • Are very adaptive.
  • Some have grown several inches long.