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Intraspecific competition occurs when individuals of different species compete for resources.
Intraspecific competition occurs when individuals of different species compete for resources.
False
Aggregation of insects refers to the tendency of individuals to form groups larger than what is normally distributed.
Aggregation of insects refers to the tendency of individuals to form groups larger than what is normally distributed.
True
Abiotic factors are also referred to as density dependent factors.
Abiotic factors are also referred to as density dependent factors.
False
The competition for resources among members of the same species is known as interspecific competition.
The competition for resources among members of the same species is known as interspecific competition.
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Concurrence among insects can lead to both harmful and beneficial outcomes for the species.
Concurrence among insects can lead to both harmful and beneficial outcomes for the species.
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The definition of abiotic factors includes the interactions between living organisms.
The definition of abiotic factors includes the interactions between living organisms.
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The process of hibernating in groups can be a form of concurrence among certain insect species.
The process of hibernating in groups can be a form of concurrence among certain insect species.
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The presence of excretory products in crowded insect populations can lead to food contamination.
The presence of excretory products in crowded insect populations can lead to food contamination.
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Cannibalism can occur due to overcrowding and food exhaustion among species.
Cannibalism can occur due to overcrowding and food exhaustion among species.
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A sex ratio of 3:1 (female: male) in houseflies will produce more flies than a 1:1 ratio.
A sex ratio of 3:1 (female: male) in houseflies will produce more flies than a 1:1 ratio.
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All insects exhibit parental care by laying eggs in favorable conditions.
All insects exhibit parental care by laying eggs in favorable conditions.
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Honeybees, termites, ants, and wasps have developed social structures that involve division of labor.
Honeybees, termites, ants, and wasps have developed social structures that involve division of labor.
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Interspecific competition can occur between two different species with identical resource needs.
Interspecific competition can occur between two different species with identical resource needs.
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The queen termite is responsible for building and cleaning the termitorium.
The queen termite is responsible for building and cleaning the termitorium.
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The cricket Gryllotalpa specifically avoids laying eggs in underground chambers.
The cricket Gryllotalpa specifically avoids laying eggs in underground chambers.
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In high temperature and RH conditions, Tribolium castaneum eliminates Tribolium confusum.
In high temperature and RH conditions, Tribolium castaneum eliminates Tribolium confusum.
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Both insects and their hosts live in close union without harmful effects is known as symbiosis.
Both insects and their hosts live in close union without harmful effects is known as symbiosis.
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A commensal relationship involves one organism benefiting while harming the other.
A commensal relationship involves one organism benefiting while harming the other.
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Mutualism occurs when both symbionts are harmed by the association.
Mutualism occurs when both symbionts are harmed by the association.
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Predators that feed on only one species of prey are classified as facultative predators.
Predators that feed on only one species of prey are classified as facultative predators.
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Phoresy describes a situation where one organism uses another for transport without harming it.
Phoresy describes a situation where one organism uses another for transport without harming it.
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Parasites are organisms that can survive without a host throughout their life cycle.
Parasites are organisms that can survive without a host throughout their life cycle.
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Predators consume their prey completely and rapidly.
Predators consume their prey completely and rapidly.
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Termites rely entirely on flagellate protozoans to digest cellulose present in wood.
Termites rely entirely on flagellate protozoans to digest cellulose present in wood.
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Super parasitism occurs when a single host is attacked by multiple species of primary parasites.
Super parasitism occurs when a single host is attacked by multiple species of primary parasites.
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Insects obtain their food solely from other animals due to their heterotrophic nature.
Insects obtain their food solely from other animals due to their heterotrophic nature.
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A hyper-parasite is a parasite that attacks a primary parasite.
A hyper-parasite is a parasite that attacks a primary parasite.
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Food quality does not influence the fecundity and distribution of insect populations.
Food quality does not influence the fecundity and distribution of insect populations.
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Intraspecific competition occurs when individuals of the same species compete for food resources.
Intraspecific competition occurs when individuals of the same species compete for food resources.
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Study Notes
Factors Influencing Insect Abundance
- Factors influencing population growth can be categorized as biotic (density-dependent) or abiotic (density-independent).
- Biotic factors include interactions between individuals of the same species (intraspecific) or different species (interspecific). These interactions can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral.
Interaction Between Organisms
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Competition: Members of a species or different species compete for limited resources (food, mates, oviposition/pupation sites). Competition is more intense when populations increase and resources are limited.
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Intraspecific Competition: Competition among individuals of the same species for resources includes aggregation, concurrence, cannibalism, sexual interactions, parental care, and social life.
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Aggregation: Insects tend to concentrate in larger numbers than their normal distribution. This can alter the microclimate and affect morphology, physiology, and ecology.
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Concurrence: Many insects are solitary, but some gather for activities like hibernating, feeding, or mating. Overcrowding can lead to competition for resources and may be harmful to the species.
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Cannibalism: Overcrowding and food scarcity can lead to cannibalism—individuals of the same species killing and consuming each other.
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Association of Sexes: The sex ratio affects population growth. Different sex ratios can lead to different numbers of offspring produced.
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Parental Care: Many insects care for their eggs and young by protecting them from predators, providing food, or cleaning them.
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Social Life: Some insects (honeybees, termites, ants, wasps) exhibit social behavior—complex interactions and division of labor for the welfare of the colony.
Interspecific Competition
- Competition between members of different species occurs when they have the same resource requirements. Species with identical requirements cannot coexist in the same place long-term. Example: Flour beetles (Tribolium castaneum and Tribolium confusum).
Positive Interactions
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Symbiosis (Symbiont): Both insects and their host live together without negative effects.
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Commensalism: One insect benefits without harming the host. Examples: Staphylinid beetles living in Hymenoptera nests to consume leftover food.
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Phoresy: A commensal using its host for transport instead of food. Examples: Parasitoid wasps using moths for transport.
Mutualism
- When both interacting species benefit from the relationship. Example: Ants and aphids, providing shelter and food respectively.
Negative Interactions (Predators and Parasites)
- Predators: Free-living insects that hunt and consume other animals (prey). Obligate predators prey on one species, while facultative predators prey on multiple species.
- Required prey for predator growth: Some have specific requirements for numbers/types of prey.
Parasites
- An organism that depends on another (host) for metabolic support. This often involves weakening or killing the host.
- Super Parasitism: One host is attacked by numerous individuals of the same parasite species.
- Multiple Parasitism: One host is attacked by multiple species of parasites.
- Hyperparasitism: A parasite is itself attacked by another parasite.
Food
- Insects directly or indirectly rely on plants for food.
- Factor influencing insect abundance.
- Food quantity affects survival, longevity, reproduction, and distribution of insects.
- Food quality (nutritional status of plants/food source) also impacts insect populations.
Quantity and Quality of Food
- Quantity: Short supply contributes to intraspecific and interspecific competition.
- Quality: Nutritional availability from different plants/food sources impacting insects differently. Insect's cannot produce their own food.
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Description
This quiz explores the various factors affecting insect population growth, categorized as biotic and abiotic. It delves into competition among species, including intraspecific and interspecific interactions, and how these factors influence insect behaviors and ecological dynamics.
