Ecosystems and InterdependenceAQA GCSE Biology: Flashcards

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What is an ecosystem?

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What is an ecosystem?: The interaction of a community of living organisms (biotic) with the non-living (abiotic) parts of their environment.
What do plants compete for?: Light, space, water and mineral ions.
What do animals compete for?: Food, mates and territory.
What is interdependence?: Within a community, each species depends on other species for things such as food, shelter, pollination or seed dispersal.
What can happen if one species is removed from a community?: It can affect the whole community, as other species that depended on it are also affected.
What is a stable community?: One where all species and environmental factors are in balance, so population sizes remain fairly constant.
Name the three types of adaptation.: Structural, behavioural and functional.
What is an extremophile?: An organism adapted to live in an extreme environment, such as very high temperature, pressure or salt concentration.
List three abiotic factors that can affect a community.: Any three of: light intensity, temperature, moisture, soil pH/minerals, wind, carbon dioxide (plants), oxygen (aquatic animals).
List three biotic factors that can affect a community.: Any three of: food availability, new predators, new pathogens, a species outcompeting another.
Give an example of a behavioural adaptation.: Any reasonable example, e.g. migration to a warmer climate.
Give an example of a structural adaptation.: Any reasonable example, e.g. thick fur for insulation.
Why do carbon dioxide levels matter as an abiotic factor for plants specifically?: Because plants need carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.
Why does oxygen level matter as an abiotic factor for aquatic animals specifically?: Because aquatic animals need dissolved oxygen in water for respiration.