Interspecific Interactions Flashcards

Study Notes

Organisms and Species

Species are defined as a group of organisms that can share genes naturally and reproduce with one another.

Interspecific Interactions

Involves close relationships between different species, categorized into four main types.

Commensalism

Relationship type: (+,0); one species benefits while the other remains unharmed.
Example: Barnacles attach to whales, gaining mobility and access to food without impacting the whale.

Mutualism

Relationship type: (+,+); both species receive benefits from the interaction.
Example: Bees pollinate flowers while acquiring nectar, facilitating reproduction for the flowers.

Parasitism / Predation

Relationship type: (+,-); one species benefits at the expense of the other, which is harmed or killed.
Example: Giraffes consume plants, affecting plant populations negatively.

Competition

Relationship type: (-,-); both species experience harm due to resource contestation.
Example: Lions and hyenas compete for prey such as gazelles and zebras, resulting in decreased success for both.

Defense Mechanisms Against Predation

Camouflage: Organisms blend into their environments to evade detection by predators.
Mimicry: Species imitate the appearance or behaviors of more formidable organisms to deter predators.
Ingestion of Poison: Some organisms become unpalatable when consumed, discouraging predators from eating them again.

Red Queen Hypothesis

Suggests that organisms must continuously adapt through genetic diversity to survive rapidly changing environments, supporting longevity by ensuring not all individuals are affected by sudden environmental shifts.

Competitive Exclusion Principle (Gause)

States that two species cannot coexist with identical niches; outcomes include:
- Extinction of one species.
- Extinction in one area for one species while the other continues elsewhere.
- Character displacement where species evolve to occupy different niches and reduce competition.

Description

Explore essential concepts of interspecific interactions with these flashcards. Learn about species definitions, symbioses, and key types of relationships such as commensalism and mutualism. Perfect for students studying ecology and biology.