1. Symbiosis
2. Mutualism, Commensalism, Parasitism
3. Temperature: Affects metabolic rates and survival of organisms.
Light: Essential for photosynthesis in plants and influences animal behavior.
Climate: Determines the types of ecosystems that can exist in an area.
Water: Necessary for all life processes; availability limits distribution.
Soil: Provides nutrients and anchorage for plants; affects plant growth.
Availability of food: Determines population sizes and species interactions.
4. A desert ecosystem can support populations through adaptations like water conservation, nocturnal activity to avoid heat, and specialized root systems to access scarce water.
5. a) Mutualism – Both species benefit; the bird gets food, and the tree gets pollination or seed dispersal.
b) Commensalism – The orchid benefits by gaining access to sunlight without harming the tree.
c) Parasitism – The tick benefits by feeding on the deer’s blood, while the deer is harmed.
6. Two important factors are:
- Competition for resources (e.g., food, space, mates) which can limit population growth.
- Predation, which controls prey populations and influences community structure.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of relationships in ecosystems worksheet.
