Species Intercation

Types of species interactions are defined by the

net impact on each individual (+,-,0)

Types of species interaction

Competition: -,-

Mutualism: +,+

Predation: +,-

Commensalism: +, 0

Neutralism: 0,0

Intraspecific

Interaction between individuals in same species (ant, ant)

Interspecific

Interaction between different species (lion zebra)

Competition

2 or more organisms competing for same limited resource (can lower fitness)

Interference Competition

Direct interaction where one individual hinders another individual from resource

Scramble Competition

individuals compete by depleting a shared resource, not by fighting directly

The cost of interference competition

Injury or death

Allelopathy

Organism produces biochemicals that suspend or harm another

Goldenfeather Grass

Low density of the plant had higher biomass, while higher density led to reduced overall productivity

Self thinning

Density dependent process where morality increases with high density

Self decline

General term for any population decrease (self thinning, drought, weather can be at fault)

Competitive Exclusion Principle

Two species with identical niches can’t coexist together because it leads to one individual prevailing and another going extinct or shift to a different niche.

Examples of Competitive Exclusion Principle

Warblers partition tree resources, Lizards occupy different locations in similar area

Character Displacement

Result of exclusion principle where two competing species evolve different traits for different resources to minimize exclusion