BIOS 230 Module 29 Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms and definitions from the Species Interactions lecture notes.

Mutualism

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Symbiotic Relationship

A long-term interaction between two species that live together.

Obligate Mutualism

A relationship where species cannot survive without the other species. Examples: Lichens, coral reefs, some termites and their gut symbiotic microbes.

Lichens

A symbiotic relationship between fungus and a photosynthetic organism (algae or cyanobacteria).

Facultative Mutualism

A relationship where species can live independently, though living together mutually benefit both species. Examples: pollinators/seed dispersals and plants, clownfish and sea anemones.

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Fungi that form mutualistic symbiotic relationships with plants, increasing their ability to uptake water and mineral nutrients in exchange for sugar and carbon.

Mutualism Breakdown

When a mutualistic interaction switches to other types of interactions depending on resource availability (e.g., parasitism or competition).

Character Displacement

Evolutionary divergence that occurs in similar species that inhabit the same environment, to reduce competition and increase survival.

Ecological Niche

The range of physical and chemical conditions under which a species can persist, and the array of essential resources it utilizes.

Resource Partitioning

Similar species coexist by utilizing different resources or occupying different ecological niches to reduce competition.

Species Richness (S)

The count of the number of species occurring within a community.

Relative Abundance

The percentage each species contributes to the total number of individuals of all species in a community.

Species Evenness

The abundance of each species relative to the other species within a community.