Community Ecology and Interactions

These flashcards provide key terms and definitions related to community ecology and interactions among species.

Interspecific Interactions

Interactions that occur between different species, as opposed to those within the same species.

Competitive Interactions

Interactions where two species compete for the same resources, which can limit their survival and reproduction.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

States that two species competing for the same resource cannot coexist permanently.

Ecological Niche

The specific set of resources and conditions an organism uses in its environment.

Fundamental Niche

The potential area or resources a species could occupy in absence of competition.

Realized Niche

The actual area or resources a species occupies in the presence of competition.

Character Displacement

The tendency for characteristics to diverge in sympatric populations where two species coexist.

Exploitation Interaction

An interaction where one species benefits while the other is harmed.

Example of Predation

One species killing and eating another species.

Batesian Mimicry

A form of mimicry where a harmless species mimics a harmful one to deter predators.

Müllerian Mimicry

When two unpalatable species evolve to resemble each other for mutual protection against predators.

Herbivory

An exploitation interaction where an herbivore eats parts of a plant or alga.

Parasitism

An exploitation interaction where a parasite derives nourishment from a host, which is harmed in the process.