3.1 Specialist vs. Generalist Species

Specialists

Have a smaller range of tolerance, or narrower ecological niche makes them more prone to extinction

Generalists

Have a large range of tolerance with a broader niche which makes them less prone to extinction and more likely to be invasive

2 biggest differences between specialists and generalists

Specialists have specific food requirements while generalists are much more broad. Specialists are less able to adapt to new conditions while generalists are highly adaptable

Narrow niche, less adaptable, more likely to go extinct, uses a specific set of resources, easily affected by changing conditions, have the advantage when conditions are constant

Specialists

Broad niche, adaptable to many environments, less likely to go extinct, use a variety of resources, high range of tolerance, have an advantage when conditions are changing

Generalists