3.1 Study Guide

Question 1

What are the 4 types of interspecific interactions and how do they affect the species?

Answer 1

The first type is competition, where both species lose. The second type is mutualism, where both species benefit. The third type is commensalism, where one benefits while the other is not affected. The final type is predation/herbivory/parisitism, where one benefits while the other loses.

Question 2

What is the difference between fundamental and realized niches?

Answer 2

Fundamental niches are what the niche could be, and realized niches are what niches the species has used.

Question 3

What is the definition of niche?

Answer 3

When, where, and how biotic and abiotic resources are used.

Question 4

What will most likely happen if two species have a small overlap in niches or a large overlap in niches?

Answer 4

If there is a small niche overlap, then the species will not use the niche as much, and if there is a large overlap one of the species either dies out or finds a new niche.

Question 5

What are 3 ways that species can partition niches?

Answer 5

Species can either partition by space, time, or diet

Question 6

How can niche partitioning increase the biodiversity of an area?

Answer 6

Niche partitioning can increase biodiversity by allowing multiple species to eat different foods, at different times, or in different areas so that a larger variety of species can live in an area.