Questions and Answers
What type of interactions are noted between organisms?
No two species can occupy the same niche.
True
What did G.F. Cause's experiment demonstrate?
Competition within species
The fundamental niche is the potential mode of existence of the species, while the realized niche is the _____ mode of existence.
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What is an example of the fundamental and realized niche for raccoons?
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What is an example of herbivory?
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Which two populations fluctuate in Figure C.11?
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What is an example of an exoparasite?
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Name an example of an endoparasite.
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Describe a mutualistic relationship involving the Egyptian plover.
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What is a keystone species?
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What is meant by a spatial habitat?
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What does 'niche' refer to?
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How do oak and birch trees relate to competition?
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Study Notes
Organism Interactions
- Types of interactions include competition, herbivory, predation, parasitism, and mutualism.
Competitive Exclusion Principle
- States that no two species can occupy the same niche simultaneously, leading to one species outcompeting the other.
G.F. Cause's Experiment
- Experiment with two Paramecium species demonstrated competition; one species dominated and eliminated the other when given the same food source.
Fundamental vs. Realized Niche
- Fundamental niche refers to a species' potential existence, while realized niche is the actual existence influenced by competition and adaptations. Realized niche can only be equal to or smaller than the fundamental niche.
Niche Examples
- Raccoons and foxes have a fundamental niche of open countryside but occupy a realized niche as urban scavengers, feeding on human waste.
Herbivory
- Example: Horse chestnut leafminer interacts with squirrels and deer, providing food for both.
Predation Dynamics
- Population of Canadian lynx and arctic hare fluctuates synchronously; changes in hare population directly affect lynx populations.
Exoparasites
- Fleas and ticks, such as the southern cattle tick, exemplify external parasites that feed on their hosts.
Endoparasites
- Includes organisms like tapeworms and barber's pole worms that inhabit the internal environments of their hosts, such as the stomachs of sheep.
Mutualistic Relationships
- Egyptian plover and crocodile interaction: plovers feed on parasites from crocodiles, benefiting both species; crocodiles allow access to their mouths, showcasing mutual benefit.
Keystone Species Concept
- A keystone species has a significant impact on community structure. Robert Paine’s study on the starfish Pisaster ochraceous showed its removal allowed mussels to dominate, reducing biodiversity.
Spatial Habitat
- Each species occupies a distinct space within an ecosystem, where spatial dynamics play a crucial role in biodiversity.
Niche Definition
- A niche encompasses the specific environment and lifestyle unique to a species.
Competition Between Trees
- Oak and birch trees compete for resources; oaks eventually shade out birches, leading to birch population decline.
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Description
Explore key concepts in biology related to the interactions between organisms through a series of flashcards. Understand terms such as competitive exclusion and discover G.F. Cause's experiment highlighting competition within species. Perfect for students looking to deepen their grasp of ecological relationships.
