Chapter 15: Adaptations, Interdependence & Competition

• What is a population?

  total number of organisms of the same species that live in a specific geographical area
• What is a community?

  group of two or more populations of different species living in a specific geographical area
• What is an ecosystem?

  the interaction of a community of living organisms with the non-living parts of their environment
• What is competition?

  contest between organisms within a community for resources
• What is interdependence?

  when species in a community depend on others for resources and shelter
• What do animals often compete for?

  food, mates, and territory
• What do plants often compete for?

  light, space, water, and mineral ions
• What is an abiotic factor?

  non-living factor that can affect a community
• List the abiotic factors that can affect a community

  • carbon dioxide levels for plants

  • light intensity

  • moisture levels

  • oxygen levels for animals that live in water

  • soil pH and mineral content

  • temperature

  • wind intensity and direction
• What is a biotic factor?

  living factor that can affect a community
• List the biotic factors that can affect a community

  • availability of food

  • new predators

  • new pathogens

  • competition between species
• What is a stable community?

  when all species and environmental factors are in balance, so population sizes remain fairly constant
• How do adaptations help an organism?

  they enable the organism to survive in the conditions in which it lives
• What are the three types of adaptations?

  structural, behavioural, and functional
• What is an extremophile?

  an organism that lives in a very extreme environment
• What makes an environment extreme?

  • very high or low temperatures

  • extreme pressures

  • high salt concentrations

  • highly acidic or alkaline conditions

  • lack of oxygen or water