Ecology - The Study of Habitat

Term	Definition
Ecology	Ecology is the study of the relationships between plants, animals, and their environment.
Ecosystem	A group of organisms that interact with their environment. Examples include grassland and woodland. An ecosystem contains many habitats.
Habitat	The place where an organism lives. Examples: Rabbits live in a burrow in the ground, blackberry plants live in the hedgerow.
Predation	The hunting, killing, and eating of another organism.
Predator	An organism that hunts, kills, and consumes another organism.
Prey	An organism that is hunted and eaten by a predator.

By carrying out a habitat study,

1. We discover the variety of living organisms in the area. This helps us understand who lives there and how they survive.
2. It enables us to protect these habitats effectively. Knowing what lives there allows us to take better care of it.
3. We learn about the interactions between plants and animals. This shows us how each species depends on others in their environment.

Study of a grassland ecosystem

1. Create a map of the ecosystem.
2. Make a note of abiotic factors.
3. Collect, identify and note the types of plants and animals (use a key to identify various plants and animals).
4. Estimate the number and distribution of the organisms in the habitat.
5. Write a report.

Apparatus for collecting animals

A Quadrat

Step	Why?
Throw a pencil behind your back.	Ensures a random sample and prevents bias.
Place quadrat over the pencil and note what plants are present.
Repeat process 5-10 times	The more you repeat, the more reliable the data collected is.
Calculate frequency and make a bar or pie chart.	The graph provides a visual representation which makes it easier to understand the collected data.

Sources of error

1. Sample size is too small (doesn't represent the entire population of the area.)
2. Human error (mistake or misidentification when counting.)

Behaviour within Habitats

Examples of animal adaptations

Rabbits: Long ears to detect its predators.

Foxes: Sharp teeth (canines) to catch eat prey.

Examples of animal adaptations

Roses: Thorns to prevent animals from eating them.

Nettles: Stinging hairs to stop animals from eating them.

Types of Competition:

1. Contest competition (animals)

• Active physical struggle between different organisms.
• Produces one winner and one loser.
• Resources include mating rights, territory, and food.

2. Scramble competition (plants)

• A struggle for a limited resource.
• Every competing plant receives some portion of the resource.
• Resources include water, light, and space.
• Plants adapt by growing as tall as possible to maximise light absorption for photosynthesis.

The advantages of competition

• Competition keeps animal or plant populations at sustainable levels. An unchecked increase in one species could harm others in the area.
• Competition drives evolution.

Interdependence in action

• Bees pollinate plants, which in turn supply food for the bees.
• Trees rely on birds to spread their seeds, while birds receive shelter, nests, and food like nuts and berries in exchange.