Biology Chapter 4.2 Quiz: Niches and Communities

Questions and Answers

What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?

A habitat is the general place where an organism lives, and a niche is the range of physical and biological conditions in which a species lives and how it obtains what it needs to survive and reproduce.

How is a niche like a profession?

A niche is similar to a profession as it represents your role in the world.

What is competition? Why can't two organisms compete if they live in different habitats?

Competition is a symbiotic relationship among living things for resources. Two organisms cannot compete in different habitats because the competitive exclusion principle states that if two species attempt to occupy the same niche, one will outcompete the other.

What are the two types of competition?

Intraspecific and interspecific. Signup and view all the answers

What is a keystone species?

A keystone species is a species that is not usually abundant in a community yet exerts strong control on the structure of that community. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a predator and a parasite?

A predator is an organism that preys upon others, while a parasite obtains nourishment and shelter from another organism. Signup and view all the answers

What is symbiosis?

Symbiosis is the relationship in which two species live close together, and it includes mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism. Signup and view all the answers

What type of relationship is exemplified by bacteria in a cow's stomach helping the cow?

Commensalism. Signup and view all the answers

How might a dramatic decrease in vegetation lead to a decrease in a prey species?

If there is less vegetation, herbivores won't be able to eat, leading to insufficient energy to escape predators. Signup and view all the answers

What is the full range of physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives called?

The organism's niche. Signup and view all the answers

What is a relationship where one species benefits while the other is unaffected?

Commensalism. Signup and view all the answers

A species tolerance for environmental conditions helps determine its what?

Habitat. Signup and view all the answers

What is herbivory defined as?

The interaction in which one animal feeds on producers. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three main classes of symbiotic relationships in nature?

Mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Habitat vs. Niche

Habitat refers to the general area where an organism resides.
Niche encompasses the specific conditions and resources an organism utilizes for survival and reproduction.

Niche as a Profession

A niche can be likened to a profession, representing an organism's role in its ecosystem.

Concept of Competition

Competition involves organisms vying for essential resources like food, space, and mates.
Competitive exclusion principle states that two species cannot occupy the same niche without one outcompeting the other.

Types of Competition

Intraspecific competition occurs between individuals of the same species.
Interspecific competition occurs between individuals of different species.

Keystone Species

A keystone species, though not typically abundant, plays a critical role in maintaining the structure of its community.

Predator vs. Parasite

Predators hunt and consume other organisms.
Parasites derive nourishment and shelter from their host without generally killing it.

Symbiosis

Symbiosis involves close interactions between two species, which can be mutualistic, parasitic, or commensal.

Example of Commensalism

Bacteria in a cow's stomach aid in cellulose breakdown, benefiting from the interaction while the cow does not experience harm or benefit.

Impact of Vegetation on Prey Species

Reduction in vegetation can lead to decreased herbivore populations, as food scarcity impedes their energy to evade predators.

Definition of Niche

The full range of conditions and interactions within which an organism exists is termed its niche.

Commensalism

A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other remains unaffected is called commensalism.

Species Tolerance and Habitat

An organism's tolerance to environmental conditions contributes to defining its habitat.

Herbivory

Herbivory denotes the ecological interaction where one organism, typically an herbivore, feeds on plant matters (producers).

Classes of Symbiotic Relationships

There are three main classes of symbiotic relationships: mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism.

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Test your knowledge on the essential concepts of habitats and niches with this assessment. Understand the differences between these terms and their roles in ecosystems through a series of flashcards. Perfect for reinforcing your learning on biological communities.