Species Interactions
What is the difference between interspecific and intraspecific competition?
Intraspecific is within the same species; interspecific is between different species
What does a predator gain from prey?
energy (food)
What is parasitism?
One organism benefits, the other is harmed
What defines a community?
A group of different species interacting in the same area
What is primary succession?
Succession starting on bare rock or no soil
What type of interaction benefits both species?
Mutualism
What is a numerical response?
Change in predator population in response to prey density
What is the difference between endoparasites and ectoparasites?
Endo live inside the host; ecto live on the outside
What is species richness?
The number of different species in a community
What is autogenic change?
Environmental change caused by the organisms present
Which hypothesis suggests species must constantly adapt just to maintain their status?
Red Queen Hypothesis
Name and describe one type of functional response.
Type I: linear increase until max capture rate is reached
Give an example of a mutualism in plants.
Mycorrhizae and plant roots
What is a keystone species?
A keystone species is an animal or plant that has a huge impact on its ecosystem, ensuring the balance and health of that environment. Without this, the trophic cascade will be greatly impacted, and biodiversity will decrease.
Who proposed the facilitation, inhibition, and tolerance models?
Connell & Slatyer
What is competitive exclusion principle?
When one species outcompetes another, leading to the other's extinction.
What does optimal foraging theory suggest?
Animals forage in ways that maximize energy gained vs energy spent
What is the benefit of ants living in acacia trees?
Ants get shelter/food, acacia gets protection from herbivores
What is Simpson’s Diversity Index used for?
Measuring species diversity and evenness in a community
What characterizes pioneer species?
high dispersal, small size, fast growth *weedy* (r-selected)
What are the 4 possible outcomes of species competition according to Lotka-Volterra?
Spp 1 wins, Spp 2 wins, coexistence, or one dominates eventually
What are the 5 ways prey avoid being eaten by predators?
1. chemical defenses
2. coloration
3. mimicry
4. armor
5. Behavorial
What’s the difference between obligate and facultative mutualists?
Obligate: can't survive without each other; Facultative: can survive independently
What’s the difference between a food chain and a food web?
Food webs are complex and show many feeding relationships; chains are linear
What is the main difference between zonation and succession?
Zonation is spatial; succession is temporal