What factors affect the survival of a species within an ecosystem?

The survival of a species within an ecosystem is influenced by factors such as availability of resources, competition, predation, and environmental changes.

The availability of resources is a crucial factor that affects the survival of a species. Resources include food, water, shelter, and space. If these resources are scarce, it can limit the population size of a species and potentially lead to its extinction. For instance, if a certain plant species relies on a specific nutrient that is in short supply, the plant population may decline over time. Similarly, if a predator species has insufficient prey, it may also face population decline.

Competition is another significant factor. Species often compete with each other for the same resources. This competition can be interspecific (between different species) or intraspecific (within the same species). For example, lions and hyenas compete for the same prey, which is an example of interspecific competition. On the other hand, members of the same species, such as two male birds of the same species, might compete for mates, which is an example of intraspecific competition. The species that are better competitors will have a higher chance of survival.

Predation also plays a role in the survival of a species. Predators can control the population size of their prey. If the number of predators increases, the prey population may decrease. However, if the prey population decreases too much, it can also affect the predator population as they may not have enough food to survive. This delicate balance between predator and prey is known as the predator-prey relationship.

Lastly, environmental changes can greatly impact the survival of a species. Changes can be natural, such as climate change, or human-induced, such as habitat destruction. Species that are unable to adapt to these changes may face extinction. For example, polar bears are threatened by global warming because the ice they rely on for hunting is melting. Similarly, deforestation can lead to the extinction of species that rely on forests for their habitat.

In conclusion, the survival of a species within an ecosystem is a complex interplay of various factors. Understanding these factors can help us protect biodiversity and maintain healthy ecosystems.