Biotic Interactions

A set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to biotic interactions, ecological niches, species interactions, trophic structures, and invasive species.

Ecological Niche

How an organism uses resources, including dietary, spatial, and temporal aspects.

Interspecific Interactions

Relationships between species classified according to their effects on each population involved.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

States that if resources required by two species are too similar, they cannot coexist.

Mutualism

A type of interspecies interaction where both species benefit.

Predation

An interaction where a predator species kills and eats a prey species.

Herbivory

The consumption of plant parts by an animal.

Parasite

An organism that lives on or in a host from which it obtains nutrients without killing it.

Pathogens

Microorganisms that cause disease.

Trophic Structure

Describes the feeding relationships within a community.

Biological Magnification

The tendency of toxins to become concentrated as they pass through a food chain.

Species Diversity

Includes both species richness (number of species) and relative abundance (fraction each species contributes).

Keystone Species

A species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance.

Trophic Cascade

An ecosystem collapse caused by the removal of an apex predator.

Primary Succession

Occurs when an area is rendered lifeless with no soil, starting with photosynthetic organisms.

Secondary Succession

Occurs after a disturbance that kills much life but leaves the soil intact.

Invasive Species

Non-native organisms that spread rapidly and disrupt ecosystems.

Integrated Pest Management

A method that uses various strategies to manage pests effectively.