Biology 10 Community Ecology

Questions and Answers

What defines species richness in an ecological community?

The variety of different habitats present in the community

The abundance of individual species present

The number of different species present in the community (correct)

The overall biomass of all species combined

Which factor is NOT included in the measure of species diversity?

Competition between species (correct)

Relative abundance

Variability of species

Species richness

How does community B differ from community A in terms of abundance?

It has more species overall.

It lacks certain species found in community A.

It has higher overall species richness.

It has unequal distribution among species. (correct)

In community A, what is the species diversity if all 10 species have equal abundance?

25% Signup and view all the answers

Which concept explains how different species can coexist in the same community?

Resource partitioning Signup and view all the answers

What is a likely outcome if two species occupy the same niche?

One species may lead to the extinction of the other. Signup and view all the answers

Why do three different butterfly species in the same garden rarely compete with each other?

They favor different feeding habits. Signup and view all the answers

In the scenario with a shelf fungus and a slug on a decaying tree trunk, how do these organisms interact?

They thrive in the same habitat but occupy different niches. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes a consequence of competition for resources?

Species may evolve to occupy different niches. Signup and view all the answers

Is it true that only two species can occupy the same habitat?

False, multiple species can occupy the same habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What behavior allows individuals to live in groups to increase their chances of survival?

Flocking behavior Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of warning coloration in animals?

To deter predators Signup and view all the answers

Which process involves a series of species replacements over time within a community?

Ecological succession Signup and view all the answers

In which type of succession does colonization occur in an area previously devoid of life?

Primary succession Signup and view all the answers

What are pioneer species known for in the context of ecological succession?

They are the first to return after a disturbance. Signup and view all the answers

What type of interaction occurs when both species involved are harmed?

Competition Signup and view all the answers

What is a common result of secondary succession?

It often follows ecological disruptions such as fires. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following characteristics is NOT associated with protective adaptations in animals?

Bright coloration Signup and view all the answers

In which type of interaction does one species benefit while the other is not affected?

Commensalism Signup and view all the answers

What do poisonous chemicals in prey typically aim to achieve?

Make the predator sick. Signup and view all the answers

Which defense mechanism helps prey avoid predators by blending into their surroundings?

Camouflage Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between a lion and a warthog when the lion hunts the warthog?

Predation Signup and view all the answers

How does a tick interact with a dog in terms of species interaction?

Parasitism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a scenario of mutualism?

A remora fish attaching to a shark Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the adaptations that can serve as a defense mechanism for prey against predators?

Flocking behavior Signup and view all the answers

What happens to prey populations in the presence of predators?

They decrease due to hunting. Signup and view all the answers

What type of interaction occurs when both species benefit from their relationship?

Mutualism Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following examples represents commensalism?

Cattle egrets eating insects disturbed by grazing cattle Signup and view all the answers

In which type of interaction is the host organism harmed?

Parasitism Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of ectoparasites?

They live on the outside of the host organism. Signup and view all the answers

What accurately describes intraspecific interactions?

Relationships among individuals of the same species Signup and view all the answers

Which interaction type involves competition for resources?

Intraspecific and interspecific competition Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario illustrates mutualism?

A bee pollinating a flower while collecting nectar Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of community ecology discussed?

Interspecific interactions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Community Ecology Overview

A community consists of all populations living in a specific area and their interactions.
Community structure can be assessed through species richness and species diversity.

Species Richness

Defined as the number of different species in a community.
Does not account for the abundance of each species.

Species Diversity

Measures diversity within a community, incorporating both species richness and relative abundance.
Example comparison: Community with equal abundance of 4 species shows higher diversity than one with 80% of one species.

Competitive Exclusion Principle

When two species occupy the same niche, they will compete.
Outcomes include one species outcompeting the other or one species potentially going extinct.

Resource Partitioning

Species can reduce competition by utilizing different resources or habitats.
Example: Different butterfly species in the same garden avoid competition by occupying different niches.

Types of Interactions

Intraspecific Interactions: Relationships among individuals of the same species.
Interspecific Interactions: Relationships among individuals of different species, the focus of community ecology.

Symbiotic Relationships

Mutualism (+/+): Both species benefit (e.g., cattle egret and rhino; butterfly and flower).
Commensalism (+/0): One species benefits, the other is unaffected (e.g., clownfish in anemone; cattle egrets with grazing cattle).
Parasitism (+/-): One species benefits at the expense of the other (e.g., ticks or mosquitoes feeding on hosts).

Competition

Can be intraspecific (within the same species) or interspecific (between different species).
Both competitors are harmed by the interaction (-/-), competing for resources like food and mates.

Predation

An interaction where a predator hunts and feeds on prey.
Benefits the predator while harming or killing the prey (+/-).

Prey Defense Mechanisms

Various adaptations help prey avoid predators:
- Camouflage: Blending with surroundings.
- Flocking Behavior: Living in groups for increased survival.
- Protective Spines/Thorns: Injurious defenses against predators.
- Warning Coloration: Bright colors to signal danger.
- Mimicry: Harmless species resemble harmful ones.
- Poisonous Chemicals: Defenses that induce sickness in predators.
- Speed: Ability to outrun predators.

Ecological Succession

A process of species replacement in a community over time after disturbances.
Primary Succession: Occurs in previously uninhabited areas (e.g., rock surfaces post-volcanic activity).
Secondary Succession: Follows disturbances in areas with existing communities, more common (e.g., after fires or logging).

Pioneer Species

First species to colonize post-disturbance.
Essential for initializing ecological succession and increasing biodiversity in affected areas.
Typically consist of plants, followed by animals that feed on them.

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Description

This quiz covers the key concepts of community ecology as part of the MUIDS Biology 10 curriculum. Explore the definitions of a community, community structure, species richness, and species diversity. Test your understanding of how populations interact within their environments.