Species Interaction Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are the main types of interspecific interactions?

Competition

Predation

Commensalism

All of the above (correct)

What is resource partitioning in niches?

Resource partitioning refers to competing species specializing so that their niches differ in at least one major factor.

What distinguishes fundamental niche from realized niche?

The fundamental niche describes the potential living factors, while the realized niche is the actual conditions under which a species lives.

What is an example of a relationship harmful to one partner without benefiting the other?

Amensalism Signup and view all the answers

What is aposematic coloration?

Aposematic coloration is distinctive coloring that serves to warn potential predators. Signup and view all the answers

What describes Batesian mimicry?

Batesian mimicry is when a harmless species mimics the aposematic coloring of another species. Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of commensalism?

Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one member benefits while the other is unaffected. Signup and view all the answers

What does mutualism mean?

Mutualism refers to a symbiotic relationship that is beneficial for both organisms involved. Signup and view all the answers

When two species compete for the same resource, one will 'win' and eliminate the other, a concept known as ______.

competitive exclusion Signup and view all the answers

What is the ecological niche of an organism?

The ecological niche describes an organism's functional role in the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Facilitation refers to interspecific interactions that involve harm to both species.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between obligate mutualism and facultative mutualism?

Obligate mutualism is when both species rely on each other for survival, while facultative mutualism allows both to survive independently. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Species Interactions Overview

Interspecific interactions can yield both positive and negative outcomes, impacting community dynamics.
Types of negative interactions: competition, predation, herbivory, parasitism, and amensalism.
Positive interactions fall under facilitation, which includes commensalism (one benefits, one is unaffected) and mutualism (both benefit).

Mutualism Types

Obligate mutualism: Both species are interdependent for survival.
Facultative mutualism: Species can survive independently but gain advantages from their relationship.

Niches and Resource Use

Resource partitioning often occurs to reduce competition, leading to specialized niches among competing species.
The fundamental niche includes all possible environments a species can inhabit, while the realized niche is the actual conditions where the species exists, shaped by interspecific interactions.

Community Dynamics

Interspecific interactions are fluid and significantly influence community structure and species fitness, leading to evolutionary changes over time.

Specific Interaction Types

Amensalism: One species is harmed while the other remains unaffected.
Predation: One species benefits by consuming another.
Neutralism: No benefit or harm occurs to interacting species.

Mimicry and Coloration

Aposematic coloration: Bright colors warn predators of toxicity.
Batesian mimicry: Non-toxic species mimic the warning colors of toxic ones.
Mullerian mimicry: Two toxic species share similar warning patterns.

Community Composition and Structures

A community is defined as all populations of different species in a shared area.
Competitive exclusion occurs when intense competition leads to one species outcompeting and eliminating another.

Ecological Roles

An ecological niche encompasses the functional role of an organism and its environmental interactions, including what resources it uses or tolerates.

Symbiosis Types

Symbiosis can range from mutualistic, parasitic, to commensalistic interactions.
Facilitation involves interactions that do not harm any species while benefiting at least one.

Other Notable Terms

Herbivory: A specific type of predation where animals eat plants.
Interspecific competition: Competition between individuals of different species for similar resources.
Cryptic coloration: Camouflage that allows species to blend into their surroundings.
Character displacement: Morphological changes that evolve in two sympatric species to reduce competition.

Summary of Terms

Interspecific interaction: Engagement between individuals of different species.
Resource partitioning: Differentiation in resource use to minimize competition.

Description

Explore the various interactions between species through these flashcards. Learn about both the positive and negative dynamics that define ecological relationships, including competition, predation, and mutualism. Perfect for students studying ecology.