Interspecific Interactions in Ecology
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Questions and Answers

What type of interspecific interaction is characterized by both species negatively impacting each other?

  • Mutualism
  • Commensalism
  • Competition (correct)
  • Amensalism

Parasitism leads to the death of the host organism.

False (B)

What is the primary distinction between ectoparasites and endoparasites?

Ectoparasites live on the external surface of the host, while endoparasites live within the tissues of the host.

The _____ is a type of parasite that consumes its host's body while it is still alive.

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

Match the following types of consumer-resource interactions with their examples:

<p>Predation = Wolf and deer Parasitism = Flea and dog Herbivory = Caterpillar and leaf Parasitoidism = Tarantula hawk and tarantula</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of interaction is represented by the symbols +/-?

<p>Consumer-Resource (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Intraspecific competition occurs between individuals of different species.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Define mutualism in ecological terms.

<p>A type of interaction where both species benefit.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In ______ mutualism, one species defends another in exchange for food or shelter.

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

Match the following types of competition with their descriptions:

<p>Intraspecific competition = Competition between same species Interference competition = Direct interaction like territorial fights Exploitative competition = Depleting shared resources Interspecific competition = Competition between different species</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of trophic mutualism?

<p>Cows and cellulose-digesting bacteria (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Dispersive mutualism involves one species providing food in exchange for protection.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of honeyguides in mutualistic relationships?

<p>They lead humans to bee nests for food.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a defensive mechanism to avoid predation?

<p>Aggressive behavior (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mullerian mimicry involves non-toxic animals mimicking the appearance of toxic ones.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for when plants produce defenses only after being damaged?

<p>Induced defense</p> Signup and view all the answers

The phrase 'Red touches yellow, kills a fellow' refers to ______ mimicry.

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

Match the following types of mimicry with their descriptions:

<p>Mullerian mimicry = Toxic species mimic each other Batesian mimicry = Non-toxic species mimic toxic appearances Cryptic coloration = Camouflage to blend with the environment Warning coloration = Bright colors to signal danger</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a chemical defense in plants?

<p>Latex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

All plant defenses are produced constitutively, regardless of damage.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of a structural defense in plants.

<p>Spines or Thorns</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following interactions is characterized by one species benefiting while the other is neither helped nor harmed?

<p>Commensalism (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Ectoparasites live within the tissues of their hosts.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the primary difference between grazers and browsers in herbivory.

<p>Grazers primarily consume grasses and herbs, while browsers primarily feed on woody vegetation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

A __________ is an insect whose larvae consume and kill their host.

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

Match the following types of parasites with their characteristics:

<p>Ectoparasite = Lives on the body surface Endoparasite = Lives within the tissues of the host Free-living parasite = Requires a host to complete its life cycle Symbiotic parasite = Lives in close association with the host</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which mechanism is used by animals to blend in with their environments to avoid predation?

<p>Cryptic coloration (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Chemical defenses in plants are always produced, regardless of whether the plant is damaged.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for mimicry where non-toxic animals imitate the color patterns of toxic ones?

<p>Batesian mimicry</p> Signup and view all the answers

In __________ mimicry, two or more toxic species resemble each other.

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

Which of the following is NOT considered a defensive mechanism against predation?

<p>Increased reproduction (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following plant defenses with their descriptions:

<p>Constitutive = Always produced Induced = Produced after damage Chemical = Use of secondary compounds Structural = Physical barriers like thorns</p> Signup and view all the answers

Spines and thorns are examples of chemical defenses in plants.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one example of a chemical defense produced by plants.

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

Which type of competition involves direct interaction between individuals of the same or different species?

<p>Interference competition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In mutualism, both species involved benefit from the interaction.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of cleaning mutualism?

<p>To remove parasites from fish.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Both bats and hummingbirds participate in ______ competition by sharing the same food source.

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

Which of the following is an example of defensive mutualism?

<p>Ants and acacia trees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Commensalism benefits one species while the other is harmed.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one type of mutualism that involves the transport of pollen or seeds.

<p>Dispersive mutualism.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of mutualism with their descriptions:

<p>Trophic mutualism = Complementary ways of receiving food Defensive mutualism = Defend partner in exchange for food/shelter Dispersive mutualism = Transport pollen or seeds</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of modeling predator-prey interactions?

<p>To predict outcomes or explain patterns (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Empirical observations are primarily based on theory rather than direct experience.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of control is suggested by the presence of more spiders on islands without lizards?

<p>Top-down control</p> Signup and view all the answers

The introduced spiders to islands with lizards represents an experimental __________.

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

Match the following types of ecology with their descriptions:

<p>Theoretical Ecology = Based on conceptual or mathematical models Empirical Ecology = Based on observations or real-world data Population Regulation = Influence of predators on prey populations Natural Experiment = An unplanned investigation in a natural setting</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the study by Schoener and Toft suggest about predator-prey dynamics?

<p>Predators can exert top-down control over prey populations (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Both top-down and bottom-up controls can play roles in population regulation.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mathematical modeling aims to achieve in ecological study?

<p>To predict outcomes or explain patterns</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Interspecific Interactions

Interactions between different species

Consumer-Resource Interactions

One species consumes another (e.g., predator-prey, parasite-host)

Parasitism

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, but usually doesn't kill the host

Ectoparasite

Parasite that lives on the host's outer surface.

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Herbivory

Herbivores consuming plants (grazing vs browsing).

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Cryptic Coloration

Camouflage that helps an organism blend in with its environment to avoid predators.

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Aposematic Coloration

Bright warning colors that signal a potentially dangerous or poisonous organism to potential predators.

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Mullerian Mimicry

Several dangerous or unpalatable species evolve similar warning coloration to reinforce the predator's avoidance learning.

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Batesian Mimicry

A harmless species mimics the warning signals of a harmful species to avoid predation.

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Plant Defense (Constitutive)

Plant defenses (spines, thorns, toxins) always present.

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Plant Defense (Induced)

Plant defenses that are produced in response to herbivory (eaten).

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Predator Avoidance Costs

Energetic and resource costs associated with avoiding predators.

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Chemical Defense

Use of chemical compounds (toxins, irritants, etc.) to deter predation.

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Interspecific Competition

Competition between individuals of different species for shared resources.

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Exploitative Competition

Competition where species deplete shared resources indirectly by using them up first.

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Interference Competition

Competition with direct interactions like fights or aggressive behaviors for resources.

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Mutualism

A relationship where two species benefit from their interaction.

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Trophic Mutualism

Mutualism where both species benefit by complementing ways of feeding.

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Defensive Mutualism

Mutualism where one species protects the other in exchange for a benefit, like food or shelter.

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Dispersive Mutualism

Mutualism where one species helps another by spreading pollen or seeds.

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Trade-off (resource allocation)

If energy is used making secondary compounds, that energy cannot be used to make primary compounds ( for growth/ reproduction).

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Predator-prey relationship

One species (predator) hunts and kills another species (prey) for food

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Parasite-host relationship

One species (parasite) lives in or on another species (host), often harming the host but not immediately killing it.

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Ectoparasite

A parasite that lives on the outside of its host.

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Herbivory

Interaction where animals (herbivores) eat plants.

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Seed predator

Animal that eats seeds.

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Cryptic coloration

Coloration that helps an animal blend into its environment to avoid predators.

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Aposematic coloration

Bright warning colors to signal danger or toxicity to predators.

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Mullerian mimicry

Dangerous species having similar warning coloration to reinforce predator avoidance.

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Batesian mimicry

Harmless species mimics dangerous species' coloration to avoid predation.

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Plant defense (constitutive)

Plant defenses (like thorns) always present.

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Plant defense (induced)

Plant defenses produced in response to herbivory (being eaten).

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Seed predator

Animal that eats seeds.

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Predator avoidance costs

Energy and resources used to avoid predators.

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Resource Allocation Trade-off

A balance between using resources for secondary compounds (e.g., defense) versus primary compounds (e.g., growth, reproduction).

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Interspecific Competition

Competition for resources between individuals of different species.

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Exploitative Competition

Competition where species use up resources first, preventing others from accessing them.

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Interference Competition

Direct competition between species for resources, through aggression or physical interaction.

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Mutualism (definition)

A relationship where both species benefit.

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Trophic Mutualism

Mutualism focusing on getting food/resources

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Defensive Mutualism

Mutualism where one partner protects the other in exchange for something.

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Dispersive Mutualism

Mutualism that involves one partner helping another by spreading pollen or seeds.

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Predator-Prey Modeling

Using mathematical models to predict or explain predator-prey interactions.

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Empirical Support

Evidence or data based on observation and experience, not theory.

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Theoretical Ecology

Ecology based on conceptual, mathematical or computational models rather than direct observation.

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Population regulation (Predators)

How predators influence population size of prey (bottom-up or top-down).

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Top-Down Control

Predator populations control prey populations.

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Natural Experiment

Observational study where natural variation is used to test a hypothesis.

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Spiders & Lizards (Study)

Study showing top-down control by lizards on spider populations on islands.

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Experimental Manipulation

Intentionally changing variables to observe their effect on other variables.

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Study Notes

Interspecific Interactions

  • Interspecific interactions can be categorized based on their effect on each species
  • +/- = Consumer-Resource
  • -/- = Competition
  • +/+ = Mutualism
  • +/0 = Commensalism
  • -/0 = Amensalism

Consumer-Resource Interactions

  • Predator-prey
  • Parasite-host
  • Parasitoid-host
  • Herbivore-plant (includes grazing vs. browsing)
  • Seed Predator

Predation

  • Examples of predation include birds of prey catching fish and snakes eating frogs

Parasitism

  • Parasitism is often a symbiotic relationship
  • Ectoparasites live externally on the host
  • Endoparasites live within the host's tissues
  • Parasitism does not always result in the death of the host
  • Examples of blood-feeding parasites include mosquitoes, fleas, leeches, ticks

Parasitoid

  • Parasitoid insects' larvae consume and kill their host
  • Examples include tarantula hawks and Nasonia

Herbivory

  • Grazing = consumption of grass and herbs
  • Browsing = consumption of woody vegetation

Seed Predator (Granivore)

  • Animals that feed on seeds

Defensive Mechanisms

  • Ways organisms avoid predation include early detection, swift escape, camouflage (crypsis), chemical defenses, spines/thorns (for protection), and warning colorations (aposematic)

Predator Avoidance Costs

  • Examples of costs include the reduction in an animal's activity time when facing a predator and a decrease in the animal's growth rate

Cryptic Coloration

  • Organisms use cryptic coloration to blend in with their surroundings
  • Examples include insects that look like leaves and the Lithops plant species

Aposematic Warning Coloration

  • Bright warning colors associated with toxicity or danger
  • Examples include the Western Coral Snake and some caterpillars

Tortoise Beetle and Wild Bergamot

  • A specific example of defensive mechanisms

Mullerian Mimicry

  • Poisonous animals mimic each other's color patterns
  • Examples include certain stinging insects
  • The two species work together to create an effective warning signal to predators

Batesian Mimicry

  • Non-toxic species mimic the warning coloration of toxic species
  • Examples include certain moths and wasps that mimic wasps

Plant Defense

  • Structural: Spines, bark
  • Chemical: Secondary compounds not related to metabolism/photosynthesis
    • Lignin (indigestible)
    • Morphine, nicotine (poisons)
    • Latex (poison/gum)
  • Constitutive defenses are always produced, while induced defenses occur after the plant is damaged
  • A trade-off exists between producing secondary compounds and primary compounds crucial for growth

Mutualism

  • Trophic mutualism involves complementary ways of receiving food (e.g., cows and cellulose-digesting bacteria, giant tubeworms and symbiotic bacteria)

  • Defensive mutualism involves defending a partner for food or shelter (e.g. cleaning mutualism in fish, ants and plants)

  • Dispersive mutualism involves transporting pollen or seeds (e.g., pollination by animals, seed dispersal)

Commensalism

  • Antbirds and army ants (antbirds feed on insects disturbed by army ants)
  • Remora (fish) and sharks (remora attach themselves to a shark)
  • Epiphytes (plants) on trees (epiphytes get support from the tree)

Amensalism

  • Organisms of different species affect each other negatively.
  • Examples include a dominant organism that limits the growth or survival of a species

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Related Documents

Ecology Lecture 15: Interspecific Interactions PDF
Ecology Lecture 16 - Predation PDF

Description

Test your knowledge on interspecific interactions, including consumer-resource dynamics, predation, parasitism, and herbivory. This quiz explores different relationships such as mutualism, competition, and commensalism. Assess your understanding of these ecological concepts and their significance in ecosystems.

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