Species Interactions - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms from the Species Interactions lecture notes.

Niche

The role a species plays in an ecosystem, including how it obtains resources and interacts with other organisms.

Generalist

A species that can exploit a wide variety of resources and habitats rather than specializing in one.

Specialist

A species with a very narrow niche and specific habitat requirements.

Interspecific competition

Competition between different species for the same resources; typically results in negative effects for both (-/-).

Intraspecific competition

Competition within the same species for resources; a powerful evolutionary driver.

Herbivory

Consumption of plants by animals; a (+/−) interaction that can lead to plant defenses.

Predation

An interaction where one organism consumes another; a (+/−) interaction.

Predator defenses

Adaptive traits to avoid predation, such as chemical defenses, cryptic coloration, or flashing coloration.

Coevolution

Reciprocal evolutionary changes between interacting species, such as predators and their prey.

Aposematism

Warning coloration signaling that an animal is toxic or chemically defended.

Batesian mimicry

Harmless species mimics a toxic or dangerous species to deter predators.

Müllerian mimicry

Two or more dangerous or unpalatable species resemble each other to reinforce predator avoidance.

Parasitism

A (+/−) interaction where a parasite benefits by obtaining nourishment from a host.

Parasite

An organism that obtains nourishment from a host, often harming it.

Mutualism

A (+/+ ) symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit.

Coral bleaching

Stress causes algae to leave coral tissues, turning corals pale or white and more vulnerable.

Keystone species

A species with a disproportionate impact on ecosystem structure and function.

Ecosystem engineer

A species that creates or modifies habitat, affecting many other species (e.g., beavers).

Species richness

The total number of different species present in a given area.

Species diversity

A measure that combines species richness with the relative abundance of each species.

Primary succession

Ecological succession starting in an area with no prior biotic community (bare rock, lava).

Pioneer community

Early colonizing species that establish in a barren area during primary succession.

Secondary succession

Succession that occurs after a disturbance in an area where a biotic community existed previously.