Interdependence

Interdependence refers to the mutual reliance between two or more things. In the context of science, interdependence often refers to the relationships between living organisms and their environment, as well as the relationships between different organisms within an ecosystem.

Examples of Interdependence

Here are some examples of interdependence in nature:

• Plants rely on sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to produce food through photosynthesis.
• Bees depend on flowers for nectar and pollen, while the flowers rely on bees for pollination.
• Predator-prey relationships, where predators rely on prey for food, and prey rely on predators to keep their populations in check.
• Decomposers such as bacteria and fungi rely on dead organisms for nutrients, and in turn, they help recycle nutrients back into the ecosystem.

Study Guide

To better understand the concept of interdependence, consider the following questions:

1. What is interdependence and why is it important in nature?
2. How do living organisms rely on each other for survival?
3. What are some examples of interdependence in different ecosystems?
4. How does human activity impact interdependence in natural systems?

Further exploration of these questions will help in grasping the concept of interdependence in science.