Community Evolution

species richness

vary in complexity and number of species within a community

relative abundance

how much of each specific species is contributing to the population

Coevolution

process in which two or more species evolve in response to changes in each other

competitive exclusion principle

one species becomes locally extinct (squirrel example!)

ecological niche

the sum of a species' use of the biotic and abiotic resources in its environment

fundamental niche

The niche species could potentially occupy.

realized niche

The niche species actually occupies.