Interspecific Competition

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to interspecific competition and the Lotka-Volterra model.

Lotka-Volterra Model

A mathematical model that describes the dynamics of interspecific competition between species.

Interspecific Competition

Competition between different species for the same resources.

Zero Growth Isoclines

Sets of population sizes for which the growth rate of one species is zero; important in analyzing species interactions.

Competition Coefficient (α)

A value that quantifies the competitive effect of one species on another.

Competitive Exclusion

A principle stating that two species competing for the same limited resource cannot coexist at constant population values.

Stable Equilibrium

A condition where a system returns to the same population size regardless of starting conditions.

Exclusion Principle Outcome

An outcome where one species outcompetes and drives the other to extinction.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition among individuals of the same species for resources.

Phase-Plane Analysis

A graphical method to analyze the interaction of two species and their population dynamics over time.

Niche Similarity

The degree to which two species share the same ecological niche, affecting their chances of coexistence.