Ecology, Adaptations, Interdependence, and Competition
This page introduces key concepts in ecology adaptations and interdependence gcse. It explores the differences between abiotic and biotic factors in ecosystems, the importance of adaptations, and the dynamics of interdependence and competition.
Abiotic factors are non-living components of an ecosystem, including light intensity, temperature, humidity, soil pH, wind, salinity, and CO₂/O₂ levels. These factors significantly influence the living organisms within an ecosystem.
Biotic factors, on the other hand, are living components of an ecosystem. These include disease, predation, and competition between species. The interplay between biotic factors can lead to population changes and drive evolutionary processes.
Definition: Interdependence refers to the mutual reliance of different species on each other for food, shelter, and other resources within an ecosystem.
Competition for resources such as food, mates, and space promotes evolution and natural selection. This process leads to the development of adaptations, which can be structural, behavioral, or functional.
Example: Extremophiles are organisms adapted to live in extreme environments, demonstrating the remarkable ability of life to thrive in diverse conditions.
Highlight: Adaptations occur through evolution and natural selection, allowing organisms to survive and thrive in changing environments.