C.1 - Species and Communities Flashcards
What are some factors which affect the distribution of plants?
Temperature, Water, Light, Salinity, Soil pH, Minerals
What are some factors which affect the distribution of animals?
Temperature, Water, Breeding sites, Food, Territory
Define keystone species.
Keystone species maintain community structure by consuming other organisms to reduce competition in other trophic levels.
What is an example of a keystone species?
The otter eats sea urchins. Sea urchins consume large amounts of kelp, which affects kelp supply for other organisms.
Define competition.
Competition is the interaction between two organisms for the same resource.
Define herbivory.
Involves a herbivore feeding on a producer/autotroph.
Define predation.
Involves a consumer (predator) feeding on another consumer (prey)
Define parasitism.
Parasites are organisms which live on or in a host.
Define mutualism.
Mutualistic relationships involve two species living together in an arrangement where both species benefit.
Describe an example of a mutualistic relationship.
Zooxanthellae are photosynthetic algae and produce nutrients as well as oxygen. They live within coral polyps and provide coral with these resources - in return, coral provides the algae with protection.
