Definitions [3]
Define ecological niche.
Niche of an organism can be defined as the total position and function of an individual in its environment.
Definition: Habitat
Habitat is the natural place or environment where an organism lives and grows under suitable conditions.
Define the following:
Adaptation
Adaptation is a characteristic of the organism that enables it to survive and reproduce in its habitat. This characteristic can be morphological, physiological, or behavioural.
Key Points
Key Points: Habitat
- Habitat is the place or environment where an organism lives and survives, including both living and non-living factors.
- Factors like sunlight, temperature, rainfall, and soil determine the type of organisms present in a habitat.
- Examples of habitats include ponds, rivers, oceans, and forests, which may be terrestrial, aquatic, aerial, or arboreal.
- Niche refers to the functional role of an organism in its environment, including its diet, behaviour, and interactions.
- In simple terms, habitat is the “address” of an organism, while niche is its “role or profession.”
Key Points: Adaptation in Aquatic Plants (Hydrophytes)
| Type of Hydrophyte | Position in Water | Roots | Leaves / Stem | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free-floating | Float freely on water surface | Absent or reduced | Spongy stem, broad leaves | Eichhornia, Pistia |
| Rooted with floating leaves | Roots in mud, leaves float | Well developed | Long petiole, waxy leaves | Nelumbo, Nymphaea |
| Submerged floating | Fully submerged, not rooted | Absent | Thin, dissected leaves | Ceratophyllum |
| Submerged and rooted | Fully submerged, rooted | Poorly developed | Ribbon-shaped leaves | Hydrilla, Vallisneria |
| Amphibious and rooted | Waterlogged soil | Well developed | Adapted to water & air | Potamogeton, Marsilea |
| Emergent and rooted | Shallow water, shoots exposed | Well developed | Aerial shoots, strong stem | Sagittaria, Ranunculus |
Key Points: Adaptation in Desert Plants (Xerophytes)
| Type of Xerophyte | Habitat Condition | Main Adaptations | Key Features | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ephemeral annuals (Drought escapers) | Dry areas with short rainy period | Escape drought by short life cycle | Complete life cycle quickly | Argemone, Solanum |
| Succulents | Very dry habitats | Store water in organs | Fleshy stems/leaves/roots | Aloe, Opuntia, Euphorbia |
| Non-succulent perennials (True xerophytes) | Arid and semi-arid regions | Resist drought | Thick cuticle, sunken stomata | Acacia, Calotropis |
Concepts [11]
- Habitat
- Adaptations of Plants
- Adaptation in Aquatic Plants (Hydrophytes)
- Adaptation in Desert Plants (Xerophytes)
- Adaptation in plants of snowy regions
- Adaptations in Seeds for Transport Through Air
- Adaptation in Animals
- Adaptation in Aquatic Animals
- Adaptation in Desert Animals
- Adaptation in Mountain Animal
- Adaptation in Aerial Animals
