Species Interactions

Flashcards covering key concepts related to species interactions as discussed in the lecture.

Species Interactions

The interactions between different species that can have positive, negative, or neutral effects on their fitness.

Competition

An interaction classified as (–/–) where both species are negatively affected.

Exploitation

An interaction classified as (+/–) where one species benefits at the expense of another.

Mutualism

An interaction classified as (+/0 to +/+) where both species benefit.

Amensalism

An interaction where one species suffers while the other species is unaffected.

Fundamental Niche

The set of abiotic and biotic conditions under which a species can persist.

Realized Niche

The actual conditions and resources that a species uses in the presence of other species.

Interference Competition

A type of competition that involves direct antagonistic interactions between species.

Exploitative Competition

A type of competition where species negatively affect each other through shared resources without direct interaction.

Niche Partitioning

A mechanism allowing similar species to coexist by dividing up resources.

Character Displacement

The evolutionary trend where traits evolve to reduce competition, usually observed in species with overlapping resource use.

Resistance

Plant mechanisms that prevent herbivores from attacking.

Tolerance

Plant mechanisms that allow them to withstand herbivory with minimal impact on fitness.

Commensalism

A species interaction where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Facilitation

An interaction where one species improves conditions for another without direct contact.

Predation

An interaction where one species, the predator, kills another, the prey, for food.

Herbivory

An interaction where herbivores feed on plants, often affecting the plant's fitness.

Batesian Mimicry

A form of mimicry where a palatable species mimics the appearance of an unpalatable species.

Müllerian Mimicry

A form of mimicry where two unpalatable species resemble each other to enhance avoidance by predators.

Carnivory

The consumption of animals by plants, seen in insectivorous plants.

Multi-Trophic Interactions

Interactions involving multiple species across different trophic levels, such as plants alerting predators of herbivores.