Questions and Answers
What is the primary focus of community ecology?
Species richness is a measure of the evenness of species in a community.
False
The process of community change over time, resulting in a new community, is known as ___________.
Succession
What is the term for the hierarchical structure of species based on their feeding relationships?
Signup and view all the answers
Disturbance events always have a positive impact on community structure and function.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for species that occupy similar niches in different communities?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the term for the unique ecological role and resource use of a species?
Signup and view all the answers
Match the following community ecology concepts with their definitions:
Signup and view all the answers
The study of how community ecology is affected by climate change is known as ___________ ecology.
Signup and view all the answers
What is the primary application of community ecology in conservation?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Community Ecology
Definition
- Study of the interactions between different species living in a specific area (community)
- Examines the structure, function, and dynamics of species assemblages
Key Concepts
- Species interactions: relationships between species, including predation, competition, mutualism, and commensalism
- Trophic levels: hierarchical structure of species based on their feeding relationships (e.g., producers, primary consumers, secondary consumers)
- Food webs: complex networks of trophic relationships between species
- Niche: unique ecological role and resource use of a species
- Ecological equivalent: species that occupy similar niches in different communities
Community Structure
- Species richness: number of species present in a community
- Species diversity: combination of species richness and evenness (relative abundance of each species)
- Community composition: identity and relative abundance of species in a community
- Succession: process of community change over time, resulting in a new community
Community Processes
- Resource competition: competition for limited resources, such as light, water, or nutrients
- Predation: interaction between predators and prey, influencing population dynamics
- Disturbance: events that disrupt community structure and function, such as fires or floods
- Coexistence: mechanisms that allow multiple species to coexist in a community
Community Ecology Applications
- Conservation biology: understanding community ecology to conserve and manage ecosystems
- Ecosystem management: managing ecosystems to maintain functional communities
- Invasive species management: preventing and controlling non-native species that disrupt community structure
- Climate change ecology: studying how community ecology is affected by climate change
Community Ecology
Definition
- Community ecology is the study of interactions between different species living in a specific area, examining the structure, function, and dynamics of species assemblages.
Key Concepts
- Species interactions include predation, competition, mutualism, and commensalism.
- Trophic levels form a hierarchical structure based on feeding relationships, including producers, primary consumers, and secondary consumers.
- Food webs are complex networks of trophic relationships between species.
- A niche refers to the unique ecological role and resource use of a species.
- Ecological equivalents are species that occupy similar niches in different communities.
Community Structure
- Species richness is the number of species present in a community.
- Species diversity combines species richness and evenness, which is the relative abundance of each species.
- Community composition refers to the identity and relative abundance of species in a community.
- Succession is the process of community change over time, resulting in a new community.
Community Processes
- Resource competition occurs when species compete for limited resources like light, water, or nutrients.
- Predation influences population dynamics through interactions between predators and prey.
- Disturbance events, such as fires or floods, disrupt community structure and function.
- Coexistence mechanisms allow multiple species to coexist in a community.
Community Ecology Applications
- Conservation biology applies community ecology principles to conserve and manage ecosystems.
- Ecosystem management involves managing ecosystems to maintain functional communities.
- Invasive species management prevents and controls non-native species that disrupt community structure.
- Climate change ecology studies the effects of climate change on community ecology.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Test your knowledge of community ecology, including species interactions, trophic levels, and more. Explore the structure, function, and dynamics of species assemblages in a specific area.
