Explore the intricate relationships between species in ecosystems with this comprehensive guide on adaptation, interdependence, and competition. This resource delves into food chains, the survival mechanisms of organisms like the snowshoe hare, and the impact of environmental changes on species populations. Ideal for students studying biology and ecology, it provides insights into feeding relationships and the effects of pollution on aquatic life. Use this material to enhance your understanding of ecological dynamics and prepare for exams.

Key Points

  • Examines the role of adaptation in species survival and ecosystem balance.
  • Analyzes food chains and the interdependence of organisms in habitats.
  • Discusses the effects of environmental changes on species populations.
  • Explores the impact of pollution on river ecosystems and aquatic organisms.
Yukta Peerannawar
14 pages
Language:English
Type:Worksheet
Yukta Peerannawar
14 pages
Language:English
Type:Worksheet
60
/ 14
Q1.
Different species in a habitat may depend on each other for food.
Figure 1 shows a food chain.
Figure 1
(a) The gras
s needs energy to grow.
What is the source of energy for the grass?
___________________________________________________________
(1)
(b) The table below lists different types of feeding relationship.
Feeding relationship
Organism
Secondary consumer Lynx
Primary consumer
Producer
Herbivore
Carnivore
Prey
Predator
Write the name of one organism from Figure 1 in each box in the table
above.
Each organism may be written in one box or in more than one box.
The first box has been completed for you.
(3)
Questions are for both separate science and combined science students
unless indicated in the question
7.1 Adaptation, Interdependence and Competition (F)
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
(c) Figure 2 shows the appearance of the snowshoe hare in the summer and
in the winter.
Figure 2
The snowshoe hare has a different fur colour in the summer than in the
winter.
Explain how the different fur colour increases the chance of survival of the
snowshoe hare.
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
(3)
7.1 Adaptation, Interdependence and Competition (F)
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
Figure 3 shows how the number of snowshoe hares and the number of lynx
varied in one area between 1900 and 1935.
Figure 3
(d) Figure 3 shows that the number of snowshoe hares and the number of
lynx increase and decrease several times.
Suggest two reasons why the number of snowshoe hares increases.
1 _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
2 _________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
(2)
(e) The number of snowshoe hares increased and decreased four times
between 1900 and 1935.
What effect does an increase in the number of snowshoe hares have on
the number of lynx?
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
(1)
7.1 Adaptation, Interdependence and Competition (F)
PhysicsAndMathsTutor.com
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FAQs

What is the source of energy for grass in a food chain?

The source of energy for grass is sunlight. Grass, as a producer, utilizes photosynthesis to convert sunlight into chemical energy, which allows it to grow and thrive in its habitat.

How does the snowshoe hare's fur color affect its survival?

The snowshoe hare has different fur colors in summer and winter, which enhances its chances of survival. In summer, its brown fur helps it blend into the environment, providing camouflage from predators. In winter, its white fur matches the snow, making it less visible to lynx and other predators, thus increasing its survival rate.

What factors influence the population of snowshoe hares?

The population of snowshoe hares can increase due to factors such as a decrease in predation or an abundance of food sources like grass. Additionally, environmental conditions that favor their reproduction and growth can also contribute to population spikes.

What happens to the number of snowshoe hares and lynx over time?

The data shows that the numbers of snowshoe hares and lynx fluctuate over time, with increases and decreases occurring several times between 1900 and 1935. Typically, when the hare population increases, the lynx population also rises due to the availability of food, but this is followed by a decrease in hares due to increased predation.

What abiotic and biotic factors affect earthworm populations?

Abiotic factors that could affect earthworm populations include soil moisture and temperature, as these conditions influence their habitat and survival. Biotic factors include the availability of organic matter for food and the presence of predators, which can impact their numbers in different environments.

How does untreated sewage affect river ecosystems?

Untreated sewage entering a river leads to a rapid increase in bacteria and green algae due to the nutrient load. This increase can deplete dissolved oxygen levels, negatively impacting other aquatic life. As the algae grow, they can eventually lead to a restoration of oxygen levels, but the initial impact often disrupts the ecosystem balance.

What evidence supports the classification of brambling and bullfinch as different species?

Scientists classify brambling and bullfinch as different species based on their inability to breed together and produce fertile offspring. This reproductive isolation is a key factor in defining species and indicates that these two birds have distinct genetic and biological differences.