Ecology - Species Interactions

Flashcards reviewing species interactions and their effects on community structure.

How do interacting species affect community structure?

Species interactions strongly influence community structure.

What is an antagonistic interaction?

One species benefits, and the other is harmed.

What is mutualism?

Both species benefit from the interaction.

What happens in competition?

Neither species benefits from the interaction.

What is commensalism?

One species benefits, and the other is unaffected.

What is amensalism?

One species is harmed, and the other is unaffected.

Define a Niche.

The set of physical and biological conditions a species requires for survival, growth, and reproduction.

What is resource partitioning?

When species can coexist if they start using slightly different resources.

Define Coevolution.

Interactions over time result in selection for traits in one species that improve the outcome in the interaction; it can be followed by additional changes in the interacting partner, causing an evolutionary 'arms race'.

List some predator adaptations.

Fast, strong, sharp claws, teeth.

List some prey adaptations.

Big eyes, ears, high rate of reproduction, cryptic coloration.

What happens if predators are too efficient?

Prey can be exterminated, and predators will also go extinct.

Define Aposematism.

Bright coloration that warns a predator of toxic prey.

What is Batesian mimicry?

A harmless species matches the appearance of a toxic species.

What is Mullerian mimicry?

Both species are toxic and mimic each other.

List some plant defenses against herbivory.

Toxins, thorns, hairs, waxy cuticle, silica in cell walls, and production of attractants for predators of herbivores when attacked.

What do microparasites do to their hosts?

Dwell inside host, reducing vigor.

Give some examples of macroparasites.

Worms, fleas, ticks, lice, parasitic wasps, and some plants.

Describe the mutualistic relationship between angiosperms and pollinators.

Pollinator gets food (pollen, nectar), and the plant has its male gametophytes directly delivered.

Describe the mutualistic relationship between angiosperms and frugivores.

Seeds are dispersed.

What is competitive exclusion?

When two species compete for the same resources and one is locally extinct.

What is interference competition?

One species interferes with access to a resource.

What is exploitation competition?

One species is more effective in using a resource.

Explain the effect of Commensalism

One partner benefits while the other is unaffected.