Ch5 species, interactions, ecological, succession, and population control

Interspecific competition

Interaction between different species competing for the same resources.

Predation

An interaction where one species (predator) feeds on another (prey).

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism (the parasite) lives on or in another organism (the host) and benefits at its expense.

Mutualism

An interaction between two species where both benefit.

Commensalism

A relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Resource Partitioning

A process where species divide resources to reduce competition.

Predator-Prey Relationship

The dynamic interaction between predators and their prey, shaping population dynamics.

Co-evolution

The process where two or more species influence each other's evolution.

Carrying Capacity

The maximum population size that an environment can sustain.

Primary Succession

Ecological succession occurring in an area where there was no previous life.

Secondary Succession

Succession that occurs in areas where previous ecosystems have been disturbed but soil and some life remain.

K-selected species

Species that produce fewer offspring but invest more resources in raising them.

r-selected species

Species that produce many offspring but invest little in their care.

Population Density

The number of individuals per unit area or volume.

Ecological Succession

The series of gradual changes that occur in a community following a disturbance.

Limiting Factors

Factors that limit the size of a population.

Environmental Resistance

The environmental conditions that limit the growth of a population.

Age Structure

The distribution of individuals among various age groups in a population.

Resilience

The ability of an ecosystem to recover from disturbances.

Persistence

The continued existence of a species over time despite environmental changes.

Survivorship Curve

Graph showing the number of individuals surviving at each age in the lifespan of a species.

J-curve

A graph that represents exponential population growth.

S-curve

A graph that illustrates population growth when it stabilizes at the carrying capacity.