Interdependence and Adaption - B1

Interdependence and Adaption - B1

1. Organisms are well adapted to survive in their normal environment

   • changes in the environment may affect the distribution and behaviour of organisms
     • environments are changing constantly due to living and non-living factors
       • this affects the distribution of organisms living there
         • some non-living factors:
           • pollution
           • floods
           • droughts
           • temperature changes
           • living indicators:
             • lichen populations can be used to determine levels of sulphur dioxide in the air
             • invertebrates living in ponds and streams indicate water pollution and the concentration of dissolved oxygen
           • non-living indicators measure these changes:
             • oxygen levels
             • temperature
             • rainfall

2. Population size depends on a variety of factors including:

   • COMPETITION
     • all animals and plants require a supply of materials from their surroundings and from other organisms that live there
       • ANIMALS
         • compete for:
           • food
           • mates
           • territory
       • PLANTS
         • compete for:
           • light
           • space
           • water
           • nutrients from soil
       • ADAPTATION
         • organisms including microorganisms have features and adaptations that enable them to get the materials they need from their habitat and survive
         • COLD ENVIRONMENT
           • e.g. polar bears
             • a thick layer of fat for energy and insulation
             • thick fur for insulation
             • white fur for camoflauge
             • large canine teeth for killing
             • large paws for swimming
         • HOT, DRY ENVIRONMENTS
           • e.g. camels
             • fat stored in a hump, as a supply of food and water
             • thick fur for insulation for cold nights and hot days
             • large feet for walking on soft sand
             • long eyelashes to keep sand out of their eyes
             • nostrils that close during sandstorms
           • PLANT ADAPTATIONS
             • e.g. cacti
               • large root systems
               • small surface area of leaves to reduce water loss
               • waxy surface of leaves
               • water storage tissue
   • PREDATION
   • DISEASE
   • HUMAN INFLUENCES

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