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1. Habitat Study
A habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives and thrives. A habitat study involves observing and investigating the physical and biological features of a specific area to understand its biodiversity.
Key Steps in a Habitat Study:
2. Adaptation
3. Competition
4. Interdependence
5. Human Impact on Habitats
6. Summary
A habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives and thrives. A habitat study involves observing and investigating the physical and biological features of a specific area to understand its biodiversity.
Key Steps in a Habitat Study:
- Select a Habitat:
- Examples: Grassland, woodland, pond, seashore.
- Survey the Area:
- Record abiotic factors (e.g., temperature, soil pH, light intensity).
- Identify Organisms:
- Use keys or guides to classify plants, animals, and microorganisms.
- Map the Habitat:
- Create a sketch or map of the area and locate key organisms.
- Analyse Data:
- Examine how organisms interact and adapt to the habitat.
2. Adaptation
- Definition: Adaptations are characteristics that help an organism survive and reproduce in its habitat.
- Examples:
- Camouflage: Stick insects blend with their environment to avoid predators.
- Structural Adaptations: Ducks have webbed feet to swim efficiently.
- Behavioural Adaptations: Birds migrate to warmer climates in winter.
3. Competition
- Definition: Competition occurs when organisms fight for the same limited resources, such as food, space, or light.
- Types:
- Intraspecific: Between members of the same species (e.g., trees competing for sunlight in a forest).
- Interspecific: Between members of different species (e.g., lions and hyenas competing for prey).
- Outcomes:
- Stronger competitors survive and reproduce, while weaker ones may die or relocate.
4. Interdependence
- Definition: Interdependence refers to how organisms in a habitat rely on each other for survival.
- Examples:
- Food Chains and Webs: Plants (producers) are eaten by herbivores (primary consumers), which are eaten by carnivores (secondary consumers).
- Mutualism: Bees and flowers – bees get nectar, and flowers are pollinated.
- Predator-Prey Relationships: Predators help control prey populations, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
5. Human Impact on Habitats
- Positive Impacts:
- Conservation efforts (e.g., wildlife reserves, reforestation).
- Sustainable practices (e.g., eco-friendly farming).
- Negative Impacts:
- Habitat destruction (e.g., deforestation, urbanisation).
- Pollution harming species and ecosystems.
6. Summary
- Habitat Study: Investigates the physical and biological features of an area.
- Adaptation: Features that help organisms survive.
- Competition: Struggle between organisms for resources.
- Interdependence: How organisms rely on each other in food chains, webs, and mutual relationships.
Questions:
Q1: What is a habitat?
A: A habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives and thrives.
Q2: What is a community in an ecosystem?
A: A community is a group of different species that interact within the same habitat.
Q3: What are adaptations?
A: Adaptations are features or behaviours that help an organism survive and reproduce in its habitat.
Q4: Give an example of a structural adaptation.
A: A camel's long eyelashes protect its eyes from desert sand.
Q5: What is behavioural adaptation?
A: Behavioural adaptation involves actions or behaviours that help an organism survive, such as birds migrating in winter.
Q6: What is competition in an ecosystem?
A: Competition occurs when organisms fight for the same limited resources, such as food, water, or shelter.
Q7: What is the difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition?
A:
A: Weaker organisms may die, move to a new habitat, or adapt to survive.
Q9: What is interdependence in an ecosystem?
A: Interdependence refers to how organisms rely on each other for survival.
Q10: Give an example of interdependence.
A: Bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar, benefiting both bees and plants.
Q11: What is a food chain?
A: A food chain shows how energy flows through an ecosystem, starting with producers and ending with predators.
Example: Grass → Rabbit → Fox.
Q12: What is mutualism?
A: Mutualism is a relationship where both species benefit, such as clownfish living in sea anemones.
Q13: How do predators help maintain balance in ecosystems?
A: Predators control prey populations, preventing overpopulation and resource depletion.
Q14: Name two positive human impacts on habitats.
A: Conservation efforts like reforestation and sustainable farming practices.
Q15: Name two negative human impacts on habitats.
A: Habitat destruction through deforestation and pollution.
A: A habitat is the natural environment where an organism lives and thrives.
Q2: What is a community in an ecosystem?
A: A community is a group of different species that interact within the same habitat.
Q3: What are adaptations?
A: Adaptations are features or behaviours that help an organism survive and reproduce in its habitat.
Q4: Give an example of a structural adaptation.
A: A camel's long eyelashes protect its eyes from desert sand.
Q5: What is behavioural adaptation?
A: Behavioural adaptation involves actions or behaviours that help an organism survive, such as birds migrating in winter.
Q6: What is competition in an ecosystem?
A: Competition occurs when organisms fight for the same limited resources, such as food, water, or shelter.
Q7: What is the difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition?
A:
- Intraspecific competition: Between members of the same species (e.g., trees competing for sunlight).
- Interspecific competition: Between members of different species (e.g., lions and hyenas competing for prey).
A: Weaker organisms may die, move to a new habitat, or adapt to survive.
Q9: What is interdependence in an ecosystem?
A: Interdependence refers to how organisms rely on each other for survival.
Q10: Give an example of interdependence.
A: Bees pollinate flowers while collecting nectar, benefiting both bees and plants.
Q11: What is a food chain?
A: A food chain shows how energy flows through an ecosystem, starting with producers and ending with predators.
Example: Grass → Rabbit → Fox.
Q12: What is mutualism?
A: Mutualism is a relationship where both species benefit, such as clownfish living in sea anemones.
Q13: How do predators help maintain balance in ecosystems?
A: Predators control prey populations, preventing overpopulation and resource depletion.
Q14: Name two positive human impacts on habitats.
A: Conservation efforts like reforestation and sustainable farming practices.
Q15: Name two negative human impacts on habitats.
A: Habitat destruction through deforestation and pollution.
