Symbiosis, Neutralism and Ecological Niches

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Questions and Answers

In a forest ecosystem, how does the concept of an ecological niche contribute to the coexistence of multiple species?

It encourages species to develop identical survival strategies for maximum efficiency.
It forces weaker species to migrate to new habitats, reducing competition.
It promotes direct competition for resources, leading to the survival of the fittest.
It allows species to minimize competition by utilizing different resources and habitats. (correct)

If two species interact in such a way that one benefits while the other is neither harmed nor helped, what type of ecological relationship is this?

Competition
Neutralism
Mutualism
Commensalism (correct)

An ecologist observes that different species of warblers in a forest feed at different heights within the same trees. Which ecological principle does this observation best support?

Resource partitioning, where species utilize different parts of the resource to reduce competition. (correct)
Succession, where species gradually replace each other over time.
Competitive exclusion, where one species dominates the resource.
Character displacement, where species evolve to have identical traits.

How does the interaction between flowering plants and pollinating insects exemplify mutualism?

<p>The plants receive pollination services from the insects, which obtain food (nectar) in return. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In a scenario where two different species of bacteria coexist in a test tube without affecting each other's growth or survival, what type of interaction is being displayed?

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

Flashcards

Plant-Insect Mutualism

Interaction where plants benefit from insects pollinating them, while insects get food from the flowers.

Neutralism

Interaction where different species neither harm nor benefit each other.

Commensalism

One species benefits, while the other is neither harmed nor helped.

Ecological Niche

The role an organism has in its habitat involving food, shelter, predator avoidance, etc.

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Niche Partitioning

Species avoid competition by using different parts of the habitat. The warblers forage at different heights.

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Study Notes

Plants with flowers have relationships with animals.
Insects get food from flowers, and flowers are pollinated by insects.

Neutralism

Individuals of different species interact without harm or benefit to each other.

Commensalism

One species benefits, while the other is unharmed.

Ecological Niche

Competition is less between different species than within the same species.
Each plant or animal prefers different food, has different enemies, and needs different living spaces.
Ecological niche: the role of an organism in its habitat
Examples of niche elements: food, shelter, predator avoidance, tolerance to ecological factors.
In forests, species avoid competition by occupying different ecological niches.
Species can live near each other without competing, and no species forces another to leave.
The foraging height, in feet, is shown for different types of warblers.
Warblers include:
- Blackburnian warbler
- Cape May warbler
- Black-throated green warbler
- Bay-breasted warbler
- Myrtle warbler

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Description

Explore symbiotic relationships like commensalism and mutualism in plants and animals. Understand neutralism, where species coexist without affecting each other. Learn about the ecological niche, a species' role in its habitat, including food, shelter, and predator avoidance.