Ecological Interactions and Community Structure

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to ecological interactions and community structure for exam preparation.

Herbivory

Interaction where herbivores eat plants, benefiting from the interaction while plants suffer.

Cellulose

Carbohydrate structure that makes up the cell walls of plants.

Parasitism

An interaction where one organism (the parasite) derives nourishment from a host, causing harm to the host.

Endoparasites

Parasites that live inside the host's body.

Ectoparasites

Parasites that feed on the exterior of the host.

Mutualism

An interaction where both species benefit.

Commensalism

An interaction where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Competition

Interaction where two species compete for the same resource, typically resulting in a negative outcome for both.

Dominant Species

The species that is most abundant or has the most biomass in a community.

Keystone Species

A species that exerts strong control on the overall structure of a community.

Ecosystem Engineer

An organism that dramatically alters its environment.

Bottom-Up Control

An ecological approach focusing on the effects of primary producers on higher trophic levels.

Top-Down Control

An ecological approach focusing on the effects of apex predators on lower trophic levels.

Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis

The idea that moderate levels of disturbance can foster higher levels of species diversity.

Ecological Succession

The directional change in community structure over time, often following disturbances.

Primary Succession

Succession that occurs in an area with no soil or pre-existing life.

Secondary Succession

Succession that occurs in areas where soil and seed banks are present after a disturbance.