Interdependence - GCSE Biology Definition

Interdependence in biology is when living things, like plants and animals, depend on each other for survival. This means that all organisms in an ecosystem rely on others for things like food, shelter, and helping to keep the environment balanced. For example, plants provide oxygen for animals, and animals give carbon dioxide back to plants. Predators eat prey to keep populations in check, and plants rely on insects to spread their pollen. These connections show that every living thing is linked, and changes affecting one can impact many others. Understanding interdependence helps us see why it's important to protect our environment and all its living things.