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Subjects

4
0
Molly Hutton
12/5/2025
Biology
distribution of organisms
107
•
Dec 5, 2025
•
Molly Hutton
@mollyhutton
Ever wondered why certain plants thrive in your garden whilst... Show more











You're diving into one of the most practical parts of biology that explains the natural world around you. Life on Earth is the third unit in your N5 Biology course, covering everything from tiny ecosystems to massive evolutionary changes.
This unit connects directly to what you see outside - why moss grows on the north side of trees, why certain birds only appear in specific seasons, and how pollution affects local wildlife. The distribution of organisms is just one piece of this bigger puzzle.
Quick Tip: This topic is perfect for understanding your local environment and often appears in practical exam questions!

Here's the key idea that'll unlock everything: organisms are incredibly picky about where they live. They need the perfect combination of abiotic factors and biotic factors (living interactions) to thrive.
Think of it like choosing the perfect house - you'd want the right temperature, enough light, and friendly neighbours. Animals and plants make similar choices, but their "deal-breakers" might be soil pH or the presence of predators.
Biodiversity - the variety of different species in an area - depends entirely on these factors. Areas with ideal conditions become wildlife hotspots, whilst harsh environments support fewer species.
Remember: Organisms don't just survive anywhere - they actively seek out their ideal living conditions!

Abiotic factors are the non-living environmental conditions that make or break an organism's survival chances. The big four you need to know are light intensity, moisture, pH, and temperature.
Light intensity determines where plants can photosynthesise effectively - you'll never find sun-loving daisies thriving in deep forest shade. Moisture levels control everything from where fungi grow to which insects can complete their life cycles.
pH levels in soil drastically affect plant distribution - rhododendrons love acidic soil whilst clematis prefers alkaline conditions. Temperature acts like a biological thermostat, determining which species can function in different climates.
Exam Tip: You'll often need to explain how measuring these factors can have errors - like thermometers being affected by direct sunlight!

Biotic factors involve the complex web of relationships between living organisms. These interactions often determine who survives and who doesn't in any ecosystem.
Competition for resources happens when organisms need the same things - think birds fighting over nesting sites or plants competing for sunlight. Predation creates a constant pressure where predators control prey populations, whilst disease can devastate entire species.
Food availability and grazing pressure also shape communities. Heavy grazing by rabbits creates short grasslands, whilst areas without grazers develop different plant communities entirely.
Real World Connection: Urban foxes show how biotic factors change - less natural predation but more competition for food scraps!

Scientists use specific techniques to study organism distribution, and you'll need to understand both the methods and their limitations. Quadrats help measure plant populations and coverage in specific areas.
Pitfall traps catch ground-dwelling invertebrates, giving insights into animal communities. However, both methods have sources of error - quadrats might miss mobile organisms, whilst pitfall traps can be affected by weather conditions.
Representative sampling means collecting data from multiple locations to get accurate results. You can't just sample one corner of a field and assume it represents the entire area.
Paired-statement keys help identify unknown organisms by asking yes/no questions about their features. These keys are essential tools for biological surveys.
Practical Tip: Always consider what your sampling method might miss - and suggest improvements in exam answers!

Indicator species are like biological environmental monitors - their presence or absence tells us about environmental quality and pollution levels. They're incredibly useful because they respond predictably to environmental changes.
Lichen species indicate air quality - some types only grow in clean air, whilst others tolerate pollution. Freshwater invertebrates work similarly for water quality - mayfly larvae indicate clean water, whilst rat-tailed maggots suggest pollution.
These species save time and money compared to complex chemical testing. By identifying which indicator species are present, scientists can quickly assess ecosystem health.
Understanding factors that increase or decrease biodiversity helps predict how environmental changes affect entire communities. Pollution typically decreases biodiversity, whilst habitat restoration increases it.
Environmental Connection: Next time you see lichen on trees, you're looking at a natural air quality indicator!




Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Molly Hutton
@mollyhutton
Ever wondered why certain plants thrive in your garden whilst others struggle to survive? The distribution of organisms- where different species choose to live - depends on a fascinating mix of living and non-living factors that create the perfect... Show more

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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
You're diving into one of the most practical parts of biology that explains the natural world around you. Life on Earth is the third unit in your N5 Biology course, covering everything from tiny ecosystems to massive evolutionary changes.
This unit connects directly to what you see outside - why moss grows on the north side of trees, why certain birds only appear in specific seasons, and how pollution affects local wildlife. The distribution of organisms is just one piece of this bigger puzzle.
Quick Tip: This topic is perfect for understanding your local environment and often appears in practical exam questions!

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Here's the key idea that'll unlock everything: organisms are incredibly picky about where they live. They need the perfect combination of abiotic factors and biotic factors (living interactions) to thrive.
Think of it like choosing the perfect house - you'd want the right temperature, enough light, and friendly neighbours. Animals and plants make similar choices, but their "deal-breakers" might be soil pH or the presence of predators.
Biodiversity - the variety of different species in an area - depends entirely on these factors. Areas with ideal conditions become wildlife hotspots, whilst harsh environments support fewer species.
Remember: Organisms don't just survive anywhere - they actively seek out their ideal living conditions!

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Abiotic factors are the non-living environmental conditions that make or break an organism's survival chances. The big four you need to know are light intensity, moisture, pH, and temperature.
Light intensity determines where plants can photosynthesise effectively - you'll never find sun-loving daisies thriving in deep forest shade. Moisture levels control everything from where fungi grow to which insects can complete their life cycles.
pH levels in soil drastically affect plant distribution - rhododendrons love acidic soil whilst clematis prefers alkaline conditions. Temperature acts like a biological thermostat, determining which species can function in different climates.
Exam Tip: You'll often need to explain how measuring these factors can have errors - like thermometers being affected by direct sunlight!

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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Biotic factors involve the complex web of relationships between living organisms. These interactions often determine who survives and who doesn't in any ecosystem.
Competition for resources happens when organisms need the same things - think birds fighting over nesting sites or plants competing for sunlight. Predation creates a constant pressure where predators control prey populations, whilst disease can devastate entire species.
Food availability and grazing pressure also shape communities. Heavy grazing by rabbits creates short grasslands, whilst areas without grazers develop different plant communities entirely.
Real World Connection: Urban foxes show how biotic factors change - less natural predation but more competition for food scraps!

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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Scientists use specific techniques to study organism distribution, and you'll need to understand both the methods and their limitations. Quadrats help measure plant populations and coverage in specific areas.
Pitfall traps catch ground-dwelling invertebrates, giving insights into animal communities. However, both methods have sources of error - quadrats might miss mobile organisms, whilst pitfall traps can be affected by weather conditions.
Representative sampling means collecting data from multiple locations to get accurate results. You can't just sample one corner of a field and assume it represents the entire area.
Paired-statement keys help identify unknown organisms by asking yes/no questions about their features. These keys are essential tools for biological surveys.
Practical Tip: Always consider what your sampling method might miss - and suggest improvements in exam answers!

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Indicator species are like biological environmental monitors - their presence or absence tells us about environmental quality and pollution levels. They're incredibly useful because they respond predictably to environmental changes.
Lichen species indicate air quality - some types only grow in clean air, whilst others tolerate pollution. Freshwater invertebrates work similarly for water quality - mayfly larvae indicate clean water, whilst rat-tailed maggots suggest pollution.
These species save time and money compared to complex chemical testing. By identifying which indicator species are present, scientists can quickly assess ecosystem health.
Understanding factors that increase or decrease biodiversity helps predict how environmental changes affect entire communities. Pollution typically decreases biodiversity, whilst habitat restoration increases it.
Environmental Connection: Next time you see lichen on trees, you're looking at a natural air quality indicator!

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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App Store
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user