Ecological Niches and Competitive Exclusion Practice Flashcards

A set of flashcards covering ecological niches, the competitive exclusion principle, and specific species case studies based on lecture material.

What is the definition of an ecological niche?

The niche is the role and space an organism fills in an ecosystem, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors, the full range of resources used, and all of its adaptations.

How is a fundamental niche defined?

A fundamental niche is the niche potentially occupied by a species.

How is a realised niche defined?

A realised niche is the portion of the fundamental niche the species actually occupies.

What is the core statement of the competitive exclusion principle?

This principle states that two species requiring the same resources cannot exist in the same niche and can only coexist if they have different requirements.

What is the provided example of the competitive exclusion principle involving barnacles?

Different species of barnacles on rocks grow in specific zones and do not mix.

Which researcher is mentioned in the case study for the Townsville Broad-tailed Geckos?

Anders Zimny

What type of niche do the Townsville Broad-tailed Geckos (Phyllurus gulbaru sp. nov and Phyllurus amnicola) occupy?

They occupy a specific niche.

What type of niche does the Velvet Gecko occupy?

A broad niche.

Where was the study of the three species of limpets conducted?

On pier pylons in California, USA.

Identify the three species of limpets involved in the interactions study.

$L. digitalis$, $L. paradigitalis$, and $L. scabra$.

In the study of limpets on pier pylons, what measurement was used to track their distribution?

The distance from the top of the pylon in $cm$, such as depths of $20$, $40$, $60$, $80$, and $100$.

What specific geographical area is identified on the map for Phyllurus amnicola?

The Mt Elliot ranges, approximately $10\,km$ from areas like Townsville.