To survive and reproduce, organisms require a supply of materials from their
surroundings and from other organisms living there.
Plants often compete with each
other for light and space, and for
water and nutrients from the soil.
Animals often compete with each other
for food, mates and territory.
Organisms, including microorganisms, have
features (adaptations) that enable them to
survive in the conditions they normally live
Animals may be adapted to survive in cold
places by having thick fur, small surface
area to volume ratio, layers of body fat etc.
Plants may be adapted to living in dry places by
reducing the surface area of leaves, storing
water in tissues, having extensive roots.
Changes to environment affect the distribution of
living organisms for example changes in numbers of
different bird species and reduction in bee
population.