Species Interactions and Coevolution

This set of flashcards focuses on key vocabulary terms related to species interactions and coevolution.

Coevolution

The process by which two or more species influence each other’s evolution.

Mutualism

A type of species interaction where both species benefit (+/+).

Commensalism

A type of species interaction where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed (+/Ø).

Amensalism

A type of species interaction where one species is harmed while the other is unaffected (Ø/-).

Competition

An interaction where both species are harmed (-/-) and compete for limited resources.

Interspecific competition

Competition between individuals of different species.

Intraspecific competition

Competition between individuals of the same species.

Predation

An interaction where one organism (the predator) kills and eats another organism (the prey) (+/-).

Evolutionary Arms Race

A cycle of adaptations and counter-adaptations between predator and prey species.

Aposematism

Warning coloration that signals predators that an organism is toxic or unpalatable.

Mimicry

A phenomenon where one species evolves to resemble another species for protection.

Crypsis

A form of camouflage that allows organisms to avoid detection by predators.

Parasite

An organism that lives on or in a host, obtaining nutrients at the host's expense (+/-).

Parasitoid

An organism that lives in or on a host and ultimately kills it.

Niche

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.

Fundamental Niche

The full range of environmental conditions where a species can survive.

Realized Niche

The actual conditions and resources in which a species exists, affected by competition and interactions.

Competitive Exclusion

The principle stating that two species competing for the same resource cannot coexist indefinitely.

Resource Partitioning

The evolutionary process where species divide shared resources to minimize competition.