Write an essay on one of the topics below - AQA - A-Level Biology - Question 7 - 2023 - Paper 3

Interactions between organisms and their environment are fundamental for maintaining ecological balance and sustaining life. These interactions include both biotic factors (like other organisms) and abiotic factors (like climate, soil, and water).

1. Nutritional Relationships

Organisms depend on each other for food, creating food chains and webs. For instance, plants (producers) convert sunlight into energy through photosynthesis, forming the base of the food web. Herbivores (primary consumers) rely on these plants, while carnivores (secondary consumers) depend on herbivores for sustenance.

2. Symbiotic Relationships

Symbiosis refers to the interaction between two different organisms living in close physical proximity. This can be mutualistic (both benefit), commensalistic (one benefits, the other is neither helped nor harmed), or parasitic (one benefits at the expense of the other). An example of mutualism is the relationship between bees and flowering plants, where bees pollinate the plants while feeding on nectar.

3. Adaptation to Environment

Organisms adapt morphologically, behaviorally, and physiologically to thrive in their environments. For instance, desert plants have adaptations such as reduced leaf surface area to minimize water loss. Therefore, interactions not only dictate availability but also drive evolutionary changes over time.

4. Impact of Human Activity

Human activity significantly affects interactions between organisms and their environment. Deforestation, pollution, and climate change disrupt these relationships, often leading to habitat destruction and species extinction. Conservation efforts aim to mitigate these impacts and restore natural interactions.

Conclusion

Understanding these interactions is crucial for biological conservation and ecosystem management. A balanced ecosystem supports biodiversity, which is vital for resilience against environmental changes.