Ecological Relationships and Succession in Ecosystems

Predation:
- An interaction where a predator organism kills and eats another organism, called the prey.
- Example: Lynx and snowshoe hares - Lynx rely on hares as their primary food source.
Symbiosis:
- A long-lasting relationship between different species that live in close contact, where at least one species benefits.
- Three types of symbiosis:
1. Mutualism: Both species benefit.
  - Examples:
    - Bacteria in a cow’s gut help with digestion.
    - Clownfish and sea anemones provide mutual protection.
2. Commensalism: One species benefits while the other is unaffected.
  - Example: Coleman shrimp live on fire urchins for transport and shelter.
3. Parasitism: One species benefits while the other species is harmed.
  - Example: Ticks feed on deer.

Predator-prey relationships demonstrate patterns of energy transfer in ecosystems.
Population size often follows a cyclic pattern, influenced by these interactions.

Definition: Interaction among organisms as they vie for limited resources.
Example: Grey horned owl and lynx both competing for snowshoe hares.
Types of Competition:
- Intraspecific Competition: Competition among individuals of the same species.
- Interspecific Competition: Competition between different species.

Primary Succession: The process by which communities evolve from barren environments to complex ecological communities.
- Steps in Boreal Forest Primary Succession:
- Step 1: Pioneer species like lichen and moss break down rock to form soil.
- Step 2: Grasses grow in the nutrient-rich humus.
- Step 3: Shrubs establish, outcompeting grasses.
- Step 4: Deciduous trees, such as poplar, establish and dominate.
- Final Stage: Mature climax community, dominated by species such as spruce and pine.

Occurs after a disturbance (e.g., fire) where soil remains intact.
Starts with faster-growing plants and leads to a return to a stable climax community.

The process by which lakes/ponds evolve into more complex ecosystems.
- Steps include colonization by organisms, accumulation of organic matter, and transformation into marshes or bogs.

Human activities lead to significant changes in ecosystems, including:
- Habitat Fragmentation: Large areas split into smaller areas, reducing biodiversity.
- Habitat Destruction: Processes that harm native species, such as clear-cutting forests.

Keystone Species: Species that a community depends on heavily; their removal drastically alters the ecosystem.
Introduced Species: Non-native species that disrupt local ecosystems, often with detrimental effects.