Living Things and Their Environment

Introduction

Living things interact with their environment in various ways. Understanding these interactions helps us appreciate the delicate balance in nature.

Adaptation

Adaptation refers to the process by which living organisms adjust to their environment to increase chances of survival. For example, camels have long eyelashes that protect their eyes from sand in the desert.

Competition

Competition occurs when living things struggle for the same resources, such as food, water, or space. For instance, lions and hyenas compete for prey in the savanna.

Symbiosis

Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different species where at least one benefits. An example is the relationship between bees and flowers, where bees collect nectar for food and help pollinate the flowers.

Common Mistakes

• Confusing adaptation with evolution.
• Misunderstanding the difference between competition and predation.

Key Points

• Living things interact with their environment through adaptation, competition, and symbiosis.
• Adaptation helps organisms survive in their specific habitats.
• Competition can lead to the survival of the fittest.
• Symbiosis shows how different species can coexist and benefit from each other.

Practice Questions

1. Explain how an elephant's long trunk is an adaptation for survival.
2. Give an example of competition among plants in a forest ecosystem.
3. Describe a symbiotic relationship between a bird and a crocodile in a freshwater habitat.