Species Interactions - Interspecific Relationships

Interspecific Relationships

Interactions between members of different species

Exploitation

One species benefits at others expense

Herbivory

An animal that eats plants

Parasitism

When one organism benefits, the other is harmed

Antibiosis

An antagonistic association between two or more organisms due to the production of chemicals that causes harm to another

Symbiosis

An interaction where one species benefits

Predation

Exploitation where a predator eats prey

Gause’s Competitive Exclusion Principle

Two species with identical ecological requirements cannot occupy the same environment

Commensalism

An interaction where one organism benefits while the other is left unharmed

Mutualism

An interaction where both organisms benefit

Predator

An animal that hunts other animals for food

Prey

An animal that is killed and eaten by another animal

Brood Parasite

A parasitic animal that exploits the parenting of another organism

Defense

A means of organisms to defend against exploitation

Camouflage

A structural adaptation that enables an organism to blend in with its environment

Aposematism

Warning colours

Mimicry

Ability of an animal to look like another animal

Batesian Mimicry

Resemblance of an unpalatable species by an edible species to deceive predators

Mullerian Mimicry

A mutual mimicry by two unpalatable species