Bio 3.3 Animal and Plant Responses Module 5-6

Interspecific relationship

An interaction between individuals of different species within an ecosystem.

Commensalism

An interspecific relationship where an individual of one species benefits and an individual of a different species is neutrally affected (+/o)

Mutualism

An interspecific relationship where individuals of different species interact in a way that is beneficial to both (+/+).

Interspecific competition

An interspecific relationship where individuals of different species spend energy competing for the same limited resources within an ecosystem. Both species are negatively affected ( - / - ).

Herbivory

An interaction where a herbivore feeds on plant matter. The herbivore benefits by gaining energy and nutrients, while the plant is harmed (+/-).

Predation

An interaction where a predator eats a prey. The predator benefits by gaining energy and nutrients, while the prey is killed (+/-).

Parasitism

An interaction where a parasite lives and feeds on/in a host. The parasite benefits by gaining nutrients and the host is harmed, but usually not killed (+/-).

Brood parasitism

A specific type of parasitism where a brood parasite lays its eggs in the nest of a host species. The host raises the parasite's offspring, often at the expense of its own young.

Antibiosis

Contest competition where one organism produces substances that are harmful to individuals of another species. This inhibits the growth, reproduction and survival of the second species.

Allelopathy

A specific form of antibiosis where plants produce chemicals that inhibit the growth, reproduction and survival of other species.

Batesian mimicry

One palatable species (the mimic) resembles an unpalatable (poisonous) species (the model).

Mullerian mimicry

Two or more unpalatable (poisonous) species resemble each other.

Intraspecific competition

Competition between members of the same species. This form of competition is much more intense as individuals of the same species have very similar ecological niches.

Natural selection

The process by which individuals in a population who possess alleles better suited to the environment tend to survive and reproduce more successfully that those with less favourable traits. Over time these advantageous alleles become more common in the population.

Aggressive behaviour

Any behaviour that involves a threat or attack towards another individual with the intent to cause harm or gain dominance.

Agonistic behaviour

All behaviours related to conflict or confrontation between members of the same species including aggression, threats, rituals, displays and submissive behaviours. The goal is to establish dominance without serious injury.

Submissive behaviour

Any behaviour by which an individual communicates non-threatening intent or acceptance of lower status to a more dominant individual to avoid conflict.

Sexual dimorphism

The distinct differences in appearance and size between males and females of the same species.

Linear hierarchy

A form of social organisation within a group where individuals are ranked from most (alpha) to least (beta) dominant. Each individual dominates those below it and is submissive to those another it.

Alpha individual

Highest ranking individual within a hierarchy.

Territory

A defined area that an individual or group actively marks and defends against others. This often holds valuable resources such as a nest, food or mates.

Home range

A larger area that an individual or group uses for foraging, hunting and raising young. It is not actively defended and can overlap with others.

Lek

A display group where males of a certain species gather to perform courtship displays to attract females. Females visit to choose males with the most impressive displays to mate with.

r-strategist

Species that produce a high number of offspring with little to no parental care.

K-strategist

Species that produce a low number of offspring with high levels of parental care.

Altricial young

Young that enter the world helpless, often blind. It is a characteristic of animals whose young are well protected (parents are K strategists).

Precocial young

Young that are born in an advanced state, able to walk, feed themselves. Likely to receive little to some protection (parents are r-strategists).

Parental care

Any behaviour provided by a parent that increases the survival and reproductive success of their offspring.

Monogamy

A mating system where one male and one female form an exclusive pair bond for at least one breeding season, and often for life. Both parents often participate in parental care.

Polygyny

A mating system where one male mates with multiple females during a breeding season. The male typically provides no parental care, while females raise the offspring.

Polyandry

A mating system where one female mates with multiple males during a breeding season. The female typically lays multiple clutches of eggs and the males are often responsible for incubation and parental care.

Courtship

Behavioural rituals or displays performed by animals to attract and secure a mate.