Species Interactions

Interspecific Interactions

The relationships between individuals of two or more species within a community.

Competion

When individuals compete for resources that impact survival and reproduction for both species. 

Competitive Exclusion 

Two species with the same niche cannot coexist indefinitely in the same habitat because one will outcompete the other. 

Ecological niche

The specific set of biotic and abiotic resources an organism uses in its environment.

Niche partitioning

Competing species evolve or adapt to use different resources, occupy different habitats, or feed at different times, allowing them to coexist by reducing direct competition

Character Displacement

When traits diverge in geographically overlapping populations of two species compared to populations of those species living in different areas.

Fundamental niche

The set of conditions that a species could potentially occupy.

Realized niche

The portion of the fundamental niche where the species actually occur.

Exploitation 

Individuals of one species benefit by feeding off of another species. 

Cryptic coloration

Camouflage making them hard to see.

Aposematic coloration

Warning coloration in animals with chemical defenses.

Batesian Mimicry

Harmless species resembles a harmful or bad tasting species.

Endoparasites 

Live and feed within the body of their hosts. 

Ectoparasites

Live and feed on the external surface of their hosts.

Parasitoid Insects

Lay eggs on or inside living hosts. 

Commensalism

One individual benefits and neither species is harmed.

Mutualism

Both members of the interaction benefit.

Endophytes

Bacteria that lives in plant leaves that help benefit by keeping herbivores away.