Interspecific Exploitation and Consumption

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the lecture on interspecific exploitation and consumption in ecosystems.

Exploitative Interactions

Interactions between species that increase the fitness of one individual while reducing the fitness of the other.

Lotka-Volterra Model

A model predicting the oscillatory dynamics of predator-prey interactions, where predator and prey populations cycle in response to each other.

Herbivory

The consumption of plant material by herbivores, which can reduce the fitness of the plant.

Carnivory

The killing and consumption of other animals by carnivores.

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism, the parasite, lives on or in another organism, the host, usually without killing it.

Mutualism

A relationship that benefits both species involved, such as animals dispersing seeds while eating fruits.

Standing Defenses

Permanent defenses in prey that exist regardless of the presence of predators.

Inducible Defenses

Defenses that are expressed in response to the presence or pressure from predators.

Secondary Metabolites

Chemical compounds produced by plants that deter herbivory and protect the plant from being eaten.

Mechanical Defenses

Physical defenses used by plants and animals to avoid predation, such as tough epidermis or quills.

Chemical Defenses

Chemicals produced by plants or animals that deter herbivores or predators.

Counter Adaptations

Adaptations by herbivores and predators that evolve in response to the defenses of plants and prey.