Plant Ecology and Biotic Interactions

Flashcards about Plant Ecology and Biotic Interactions

Biotic interactions

Interactions or relationships among organisms.

Intraspecific interaction

Interaction between individuals of the same species.

Interspecific interaction

Interaction between individuals of different species.

Antagonism

A biotic interaction where at least one participant is harmed.

Trophic interaction

A type of antagonism where one species consumes another.

Mutualism

Mutually beneficial relationship between two organisms (+ +).

Facultative mutualism

Optional mutualistic relationship.

Obligatory mutualism

Compulsory mutualistic relationship.

Lichens

Mutualistic interaction between a fungi and an algae species.

Mycorrhiza

Association between plant roots and fungi, plant provides carbohydrates, fungus provides water and minerals.

Pollination

Plant provides food resources for pollen transfer service.

Zoochory

Seed dispersal by animals, plant provides food for dispersal services.

Commensalism

One participant benefits, the other isn't affected (+ 0).

Facilitation

One species alters the environment, enhancing another neighboring species (+ 0).

Predation

One organism (predator) kills and eats another (prey) (+ -).

Herbivory

Consumption of plant material by animals (+ -).

Grazers

Herbivores that mainly feed on grass and herbaceous plants.

Browsers

Herbivores that mainly feed on leaves and twigs of woody plants.

Frugivores

Animals that eat fruits.

Folivores

Animals that eat leaves.

Nectarivores

Animals that eat nectar.

Granivores

Animals that eat seeds.

Palynivores

Animals that eat pollen.

Mucivores

Animals that eat plant fluids such as sap.

Xylophages

Animals that eat wood.

Parasitism

One species (parasite) lives on or in another (host), causing harm (+ -).

Endoparasite

Parasite that lives inside the body of the host.

Ectoparasite

Parasite that lives outside, on the surface of the host.

Parasitoids

Insect parasites that eventually kill their host.

Hyperparasites

Parasites that feed on other parasites.

Hemiparasites

Parasitic plants that obtain water and mineral nutrients but also photosynthesize.

Holoparasites

Parasitic plants that obtain all carbohydrates, lacking chlorophyll and not photosynthesizing.

Amensalism

One participant is inhibited, the other is unaffected (- 0).

Allelopathy

Inhibition or destruction of one species by another through chemical secretions.

Competition

Two organisms compete for the same resources (- -).

Intraspecific competition

Competition between members of the same species.

Ecological niche

The role and position a species has in its environment; its needs.