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Questions and Answers
What primary outcome results from competition among organisms?
What primary outcome results from competition among organisms?
- Increased biodiversity
- Stabilization of resource use
- Exclusion of subordinate individuals (correct)
- Enhanced cooperation among species
What is the main ecological role of predation?
What is the main ecological role of predation?
- To promote habitat destruction
- To facilitate energy and nutrient flow (correct)
- To increase competition among species
- To support organism growth
Which characteristic best describes co-evolution?
Which characteristic best describes co-evolution?
- Evolution leading to extinction of one species
- Evolutionary changes dictated by environmental factors
- Independently evolving species
- Joint evolution based on ecological relationships (correct)
What distinguishes ectoparasites from endoparasites?
What distinguishes ectoparasites from endoparasites?
Which statement about commensalism is true?
Which statement about commensalism is true?
How do plants typically respond to predation?
How do plants typically respond to predation?
What effect can a reduction in predator populations have on other species?
What effect can a reduction in predator populations have on other species?
What is a typical mechanism by which animals defend against predation?
What is a typical mechanism by which animals defend against predation?
In terms of resource sharing, what is a likely outcome of competition between different species?
In terms of resource sharing, what is a likely outcome of competition between different species?
What characteristic do parasitic relationships commonly exhibit?
What characteristic do parasitic relationships commonly exhibit?
Flashcards
Interspecific Competition
Interspecific Competition
When organisms compete for the same limited resource, those with a strong social structure often dominate. Dominant individuals exclude others, forcing them to find alternative resources or territories, which often have lower quality and lead to increased risks like starvation.
Predation
Predation
One organism consuming another for energy and nutrients. Predation drives natural selection by eliminating less fit individuals. Types include grazing on plants and consuming seeds and fruits.
Co-evolution
Co-evolution
A close ecological relationship where two species evolve together, each influencing the other's evolution. Often, these relationships are mutually beneficial, like predator and prey adapting to each other.
Parasitism
Parasitism
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Commensalism
Commensalism
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Study Notes
Competition
- Competition occurs when resources are scarce.
- Organisms compete for resources like space, food, and mates.
- Dominant individuals may exclude others.
- Subdominant individuals may be forced to leave or face starvation.
- Competition among different species can lead to the division of available resources.
Predation
- Predation is the consumption of one organism by another.
- It's important for energy transfer and regulates populations.
- Predators can control prey populations.
- Predators may reduce populations of other species, allowing co-existence.
- Conversely, removal of predators can lead to reduced biodiversity.
Co-evolution
- Co-evolution is when two species evolve in response to each other.
- This often develops due to close ecological relationships.
- Plants develop defensive mechanisms like thorns and toxins to deter herbivores.
- Some insects have defenses against plant toxins (e.g., monarchs and milkweed).
- Animals can camouflage or have foul odors to avoid predators.
Interspecific Interactions
- Interspecific interactions are interactions between species.
- Symbiotic interactions can involve a host and guest.
- Facultative symbiosis can be beneficial to one partner only (or neither).
Parasitism
- Parasitism is a symbiotic interaction where one organism benefits at the expense of another.
- Parasites can be external (ectoparasites) or internal (endoparasites).
- Parasites can cause significant harm to their host, possibly even leading to the death of the host.
Commensalism
- Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is unaffected.
- One example is a lichen, which is a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an alga.
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