adaptations and interdependence

• What is a predator?

  It eats other organisms
• What is prey?

  It is eaten by another animal
• What does a food chain illustrate?

  It shows the flow of energy between organisms
• What is a food web?

  A set of linked food chains
• What is a habitat?

  The place where an organism lives
• What is a population?

  The number of organisms of the same species
• What is a community?

  The populations of different species living in a habitat
• What is an ecosystem?

  The interaction of a community with non-living parts
• What is interdependence?

  The way organisms rely on each other to survive
• What is a stable community?

  Where species and environmental factors are balanced
• What are abiotic factors in an ecosystem?

  • Light
  • Temperature
  • Wind intensity/direction
  • Oxygen levels
  • Water/moisture
  • Carbon dioxide levels
  • Soil/mineral content
• What are biotic factors in an ecosystem?

  • Availability of food
  • New predators arriving
  • New pathogens
  • Lack of mates
• What is interspecific competition?

  Different species compete for resources
• What is intraspecific competition?

  Same species compete for resources
• What do plants compete for?

  • Light
  • Space
  • Water
  • Mineral ions
• What do animals compete for?

  • Food
  • Mates
  • Territory
• What is the purpose of quadrats in sampling?

  • Study distribution of small organisms
  • Investigate effects of factors on species distribution
  • Remove bias in data collection
• How do you determine where to place a quadrat?

  Use a random number generator for coordinates
• What is the method for investigating plant population size using random sampling?

  1. Collect two random numbers
  2. Locate quadrat position
  3. Lay quadrat randomly
  4. Count plant species inside quadrat
  5. Repeat for 10 quadrats
• What is the formula for calculating the mean?

  Mean = (sum of all values ÷ N)
• What is the median?

  The middle value of a range
• What is the mode?

  The most frequent value
• What factors affect the validity of data in sampling?

  • Only one variable affecting data
  • Accurate representation of total area
  • Data answering the hypothesis
• What is reproducibility in data collection?

  • Other data obtained the same way
  • Same method used by others
  • Consistent results across tests
• What is accuracy in data collection?

  • Keeping the test fair
  • Ensuring correct measurements
  • Avoiding bias in results
• What is precision in data collection?

  • Closeness of samples to mean
  • Consistency in measurements
  • Reducing variability in results
• What is repeatability in data collection?

  • Getting the same results if repeated
  • Using the same method as others
  • Consistency in experimental conditions
• What is the purpose of a transect?

  To measure the impact of environmental projects
• What are the steps for investigating light intensity on plant distribution using a transect?

  1. Lay tape measure from tree to ground
  2. Place quadrat against transect line
  3. Count plants inside quadrat
  4. Measure light intensity with light meter
  5. Move quadrat along transect and repeat
• How do you estimate population size?

  Estimated population size = total area × no. plants counted / area sampled
• If the total area is $400 \text{ m}^2$ and the area sampled is $0.635 \text{ m}^2$, what is the estimated population size if 50 buttercups are counted?


  $32000$
• What should you do with your results after data collection?

  • Plot a graph of results
  • Describe the relationship in the graph
  • Analyze changes in plant species with light intensity
• What are limitations of transects and quadrats?

  Random sampling:

  • Only useful for small areas
  • Time-consuming
  • Not good for uneven distribution

  
  

  Systematic sampling:

  • Risk of bias
  • Limited range
  • Can miss small scale variations
• How do transects help in studying organism distribution?

  • Mark out a line in the study area
  • Collect data at regular intervals
  • Observe changes in organism abundance
• What is % cover in sampling?

  • Estimate % area covered by organisms
  • Count smaller squares within quadrat
  • Useful for difficult-to-count organisms
• What are adaptations in organisms?

  • Structural, behavioral, or physiological changes
  • Help organisms survive in their environment
  • Enhance reproductive success