Interspecific Interactions and Mutualisms

These flashcards cover the key concepts of interspecific interactions, types of symbiosis, and specific examples as discussed in the lecture.

Interspecific interactions

Interactions between different species.

Interspecific competition

Competition between species for limiting resources.

Symbiotic interactions

Intimate, long-term physical associations between species.

Mutualism

A type of symbiosis where both species benefit.

Parasitism

A type of symbiosis where one species benefits at the expense of another.

Commensalism

A type of symbiosis where one species benefits and the other is unaffected.

Facilitation

Beneficial or partially beneficial interactions among species.

Inhibitory interactions

Negative interactions among species.

Obligate mutualism

Mutualistic relationship that is essential for one or both partners.

Facultative mutualism

Mutualistic relationship that is not essential for one or both partners.

Service-resource mutualism

A type of mutualism where one partner provides a service and the other provides a resource.

Eco-system services

Benefits provided by ecosystems that support life, including pollination.

Plant-pollinator mutualism

A partnership where plants provide food (like nectar) to pollinators in exchange for pollination services.

Mycorrhizae

A type of plant-fungus mutualism where plants exchange sugars for phosphorus.

Ant-aphid mutualism

A relationship where ants protect aphids in exchange for honeydew.

Ectosymbiont

A symbiont that lives on the surface of the host.

Endosymbiont

A symbiont that lives within the host.

Pollination networks

Complex interactions among various species involved in the pollination process.