Ecological Interactions: Commensalism and Amensalism

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz

Study Flashcards

Spaced Repetition

Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Download our mobile app to listen on the go

Get App

Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of commensalism?

Both species benefit from the interaction
One species harms the other while remaining unaffected
One species benefits while the other is unaffected (correct)
Neither species is affected by the interaction

In amensalism, the species that is harmed benefits from the interaction.

False (B)

What is the term used for the species that is negatively affected in amensalism?

Amensal

In commensalism, the benefited species is known as the ______.

<p>commensal</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following terms with their definitions:

<p>Commensalism = One species benefits while the other is unaffected Amensalism = One species inhibits the growth of another Allelopathy = Chemical inhibition of plants by other plants Inhibited species = The species experiencing negative effects</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Commensalism

One species benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped.

Commensal species

The species that benefits from the relationship.

Amensalism

One species inhibits the growth or survival of the other, while the inhibiting species remains unaffected.

Amensal

The species that is negatively affected in an amensalistic relationship.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Allelopathic substances

Chemicals released by plants that inhibit the growth of other plants.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Commensalism (+/0)

Necessary interaction for one species to survive
One species benefits, one is unaffected
Commensal species
Other species could compete for resources

Amensalism (-/0)

One species inhibits growth or survival of another
One species harmed, second species unaffected
One species produces compounds which harm another
Example: allelopathy (one plant releases chemicals that harms other plant growth)