<3 Explain how one of the biotic elements in an ecosystem you identified interacts with other elements to meet its needs.

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Explanation: Living things adapt to their biotic environment to survive. Mammals in cold places need thick fur to stay warm. Reptiles sit on hot rocks in their environment to warm their bodies.

One of the most critical interactions in an ecosystem between the biotic and abiotic environment is photosynthesis, the base chemical reaction that drives most life on earth. Plants and algae use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to create the energy they need to grow and live via photosynthesis. An important by-product of photosynthesis is oxygen, which animals need to breathe.

Interactions:

Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and hare (Lepus europaeus) interactions are an excellent example of predator-prey dynamics. The hares consume grasses, then the red foxes predate the hares. The grasses are negatively impacted by the hares while the hares benefit by getting a meal. Foxes then benefit by eating the hares.

Commensalism examples are more difficult as it is hard to prove whether the other animal benefits or is negatively impacted.

For example, Remora fish ride other fish and sharks and then eat their leftover food. The sharks and large fish are said not to be affected by the presence of the Remora as they ride them and then eat the leftover food. This interaction would be classed as competitive if Remora fought their hosts for food instead of waiting until they were finished.

Plants with bird or butterfly pollinators are good examples of mutualistic interactions. Plants benefit by having their flowers pollinated so they can reproduce. The butterflies and bird pollinators benefit as they get a delicious nectar meal.