Introduction to Ecology: Community Interactions and Competition

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the roles and interactions within communities in ecology, focusing on definitions and examples of interspecific interactions, competition, and defensive adaptations.

A community is defined as __ of populations in an area.

a group

Interspecies interactions refer to interactions __ different species.

between

Intraspecies interactions refer to interactions __ members of the same species.

between

Competition is considered a interaction.

negative-negative

Resource partitioning can allow similar species to __ in an area.

coexist

Competitive exclusion can lead to the __ elimination of a competing species.

local

The difference between fundamental niches and realized niches is that fundamental niches represent where a species could __.

potentially be

Character displacement explains how species can diverge in characteristics when they are in __ populations.

sympatric

Predation is defined as an interaction where one species __ and eats another species.

kills

An example of a defense mechanism for prey species is __, which helps them avoid predators.

camouflage

The color patterns of some butterflies serve as __ coloration, warning predators that they are toxic.

aposematic

The mimic octopus is an example of __ mimicry, as it mimics dangerous species to protect itself.

Batesian

Mechanical defenses include structures such as __ that help deter predators.

thorns

Chemical defenses in animals may include substances like __ that can harm predators.

poison or venom

In ecology, interspecific competition occurs when two or more species compete for a __ resource.

limited

Fundamental niches refer to the potential ranges of conditions a species could occupy, whereas realized niches are the __ ranges in reality.

actual