Questions and Answers
What is a niche?
The role of an organism, how it gets food, what it eats, type of shelter, when it is active, and predators.
What is a generalist?
An organism with a broad niche that can live in a variety of places, eat a variety of food, and survive in a wide range of environmental conditions.
What is a specialist?
An organism with a narrow niche that lives in one habitat, may have one food source but can eat a few others, is intolerant of climate/environmental conditions, and does not adapt easily.
Which of the following are examples of generalists? (Select all that apply)
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Which of the following are examples of specialists? (Select all that apply)
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Generalists can adapt better to change.
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Specialists typically live longer because they can deal with unanticipated risks better.
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Specialists have less competition.
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Study Notes
Niche
- Represents the role of an organism within its ecosystem.
- Includes how it acquires food, its diet, type of shelter, activity patterns, and its predators.
Generalist Species
- Possess a broad niche, allowing them to thrive in diverse environments.
- Capable of consuming a variety of foods and tolerating a wide range of environmental changes.
- Examples include rats, mice, raccoons, cardinals, cockroaches, and white-tailed deer.
- Better adaptability leads to increased longevity and resilience against unexpected changes.
Specialist Species
- Characterized by a narrow niche, often restricted to specific habitats and limited food sources.
- Generally intolerant of varying climate and environmental conditions, making adaptation difficult.
- Examples include river otters, woodpeckers, pandas, tiger salamanders, and spotted owls.
- Higher risk of extinction, especially when environmental conditions shift.
Comparisons
- Generalists can adapt more effectively to environmental changes than specialists.
- Generalists typically exhibit greater longevity due to their ability to handle unforeseen risks.
- Specialists experience less competition within their niche but face higher extinction risks under changing conditions.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the differences between generalist and specialist species with this set of flashcards. Learn about niches, the diversity of habitats, and food sources that define each type of organism. Perfect for biology students exploring ecological roles!
