AP Bio Ch. 41 - Species Interactions

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary related to species interactions, including competition, niche definitions, food web dynamics, and ecological roles.

Community

All the organisms in an area living close enough for potential interaction.

Intraspecific Competition

Competition occurring within a species for the same resource.

Interspecific Competition

Competition occurring between different species. -/-

G. F. Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle

When two species compete for the same resource, one will be advantageous, and the other will be excluded.

Ecological Niche

The functional role of a species in an ecosystem.

Resource Partitioning

Dividing up resources so that sympatric species consume slightly different foods or use other resources in slightly different ways.

Fundamental Niche

The entire range of conditions an organism is potentially able to live in.

Realized Niche

The part of the fundamental niche that an organism actually occupies.

Character Displacement

The tendency for traits to be more divergent in sympatric populations of two species than in allopatric populations.

Predation

The preying of one animal on others. +/-

Species Diversity

The variety of organisms that make up a community, consisting of species richness (# of species) and relative abundance (proportion each species represents of all individuals in community).

IMPORTANT BC: More diversity = more healthy ecosystem

Dominant Species

The most abundant species in a community that exerts powerful control over the occurrence and distribution of other species.

Keystone Species

A species that exerts strong control on a community by its ecological roles or niches.

Ex: Humans, domino effect on other species population (alters food web)

Disturbance Event

An event that alters the structure of a community, such as a mass extinction or natural disasters.

Primary Succession

The progression of species in an area where all life has been removed, starting from bare rock.

Secondary Succession

The recovery of a community where soil remains after a disturbance.

Herbivory

An interaction where an organism obtains energy by consuming plants. +/-

Parasitism

A relationship where a parasite benefits at the expense of its host. +/-

Mutualism

An interaction where two species help each other for mutual gain. +/+

Commensalism

An interaction where one species benefits while the other is unaffected. +/0

Batesian Mimicry

A palatable, harmless species mimicking an unpalatable or harmful species.

Müllerian Mimicry

Two dangerous species mimicking each other to reinforce the avoidance behavior of predators.

Climax Community

Dominant Organism is present and doesn’t allow others to grow UNTIL next disturbance.

Pioneer Species

Resilient Species that quickly move into a new area with no life.

Ex: Lichen (provides water as it absorbs atmospheric moisture) —> used by/can grow algae