Species Interaction

Define what is community ecology

explores how species interact with one another

What is an interspecies interaction?

intraspecies: interactions between members of the same species

interspecies: interactions between members of different species

What is an example of intraspecies interaction?

ex: competition by organisms for the same resources and mates

What are the four types of species interactions?

competition, consumption, commensalism, mutualism

Be able to identify the +/-/0 relationships of each

(-,-) (+,-) (+,0) (+,+)

Define niche

the range of resources and/or conditions a species is able to use or tolerate

When does competition in the community occur?

when two species have overlapping niche

What is asymmetric competition?

when one species is a better competitor than the other

Define competitive exclusion

two species competing for the exact same limited resources cannot stably coexist in the same niche

What is difference between the fundamental and realized niche? Be able to interpret the difference using a graph

•Fundamental niche: the entire possible niche that on organisms could inhabit

•Realized niche: the actual niche an organism is able to inhabit

Be able to describe character displacement and identify it when it is described to you

Why is competition always a net negative interaction?

Define consumption. What are the three types of consumption?

predation, herbivory, parasitism

What is an evolutionary arms race?

two or more species reciprocally drive each other to evolve new adaptations and counter-adaptations in a continuous cycle

What is a prey defense? Know the types of prey defenses discussed in class

camouflage, escape behavior, toxins, armor

What are the two categories of prey defenses? What are their advantages and disadvantages?

constitutive: always on, defense are always present regardless of predation threat

inducible: defenses are only present when threat of predation is high

What is mimicry? What are the two types of mimicry? Be able to identify them or give an example.

When an organism copies the color, appearance, and or demeanor of another organism

What are the unique features of parasitism?

Occurs when a parasite feeds off a host or steals their resources for an extended period of time

What is meant by the phrase reciprocal parasitism?

Species generally are not altruistic towards one another