Adaptations, Interdependence And Competition
Overview
Pick any patch of ground: a strip of sand dune, a puddle in a hot spring, the fur behind a dog's ear. Something already lives there, and whatever it is, it is holding that place against everything else that would like it. Living space is never handed out. It is won, held, and eventually lost, and the winners are the organisms whose bodies and habits happen to fit the conditions best.
This lesson is about that fit. You will sort out what plants and animals are actually competing over, and why two organisms that want the same thing cannot both have all of it. You will see why the harshest competition of all is between members of one species, and then look closely at organisms whose bodies and habits match the place they live in: a bear on the ice, a camel in the sand, a plant that has to survive on almost no rain, and the microorganisms working quietly through a compost heap.
Objectives
- To survive and reproduce, organisms require a supply of materials from their surroundings and from the other living organisms there.
- Plants often compete with each other for light and space, and for water and nutrients from the soil.
- Animals often compete with each other for food, mates and territory.
- Organisms, including microorganisms, have features (adaptations) that enable them to survive in the conditions in which they normally live.
Mind map
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Lesson Note
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Lesson Evaluation
Congratulations on completing the lesson on Adaptations, Interdependence And Competition. Now that youve explored the key concepts and ideas, its time to put your knowledge to the test. This section offers a variety of practice questions designed to reinforce your understanding and help you gauge your grasp of the material.
You will encounter a mix of question types, including multiple-choice questions, short answer questions, and essay questions. Each question is thoughtfully crafted to assess different aspects of your knowledge and critical thinking skills.
Use this evaluation section as an opportunity to reinforce your understanding of the topic and to identify any areas where you may need additional study. Don't be discouraged by any challenges you encounter; instead, view them as opportunities for growth and improvement.
- Which of these do plants NOT compete with each other for? A. Light B. Space C. Mineral ions from the soil D. Mates Answer: D
- Which set of three resources does the specification name as the ones animals compete with each other for? A. Food, mates and territory B. Light, water and space C. Oxygen, carbon dioxide and water D. Food, light and mineral ions Answer: A
- Why is competition usually strongest between two individuals of the same species? A. They are always the same size B. Their requirements overlap completely C. They cannot move away from each other D. They always feed at the same time of day Answer: B
- A cactus has spines in place of broad leaves. What is the main advantage of this? A. It absorbs more light B. It loses less water vapour C. It takes up more mineral ions D. It grows more quickly Answer: B
- Some seeds are carried a long way from the parent plant by the wind. How does this help the seedlings? A. They germinate sooner B. They receive more mineral ions from the parent C. They do not have to compete with the parent plant D. They are protected from cold weather Answer: C
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