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Questions and Answers
What is the difference between a habitat and a niche?
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?
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?
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?
What are the two types of competition?
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What is a keystone species?
What is a keystone species?
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What is the difference between a predator and a parasite?
What is the difference between a predator and a parasite?
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What is symbiosis?
What is symbiosis?
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What type of relationship is exemplified by bacteria in a cow's stomach helping the cow?
What type of relationship is exemplified by bacteria in a cow's stomach helping the cow?
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How might a dramatic decrease in vegetation lead to a decrease in a prey species?
How might a dramatic decrease in vegetation lead to a decrease in a prey species?
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What is the full range of physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives called?
What is the full range of physical and biological conditions in which an organism lives called?
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What is a relationship where one species benefits while the other is unaffected?
What is a relationship where one species benefits while the other is unaffected?
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A species tolerance for environmental conditions helps determine its what?
A species tolerance for environmental conditions helps determine its what?
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What is herbivory defined as?
What is herbivory defined as?
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What are the three main classes of symbiotic relationships in nature?
What are the three main classes of symbiotic relationships in nature?
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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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Description
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.
