Chapter 12: Species Interactions, Population Dynamics, and Natural Selection

Question 1

List some characteristics of species interactions

Answer 1

1) Can be classified based on their reciprocal effects
2) Influence population dynamics
3) Can function as agents of natural selection
4) Their nature can vary across geographic landscapes
5) Can be diffuse
6) Influence the species’ niche
7) Can drive adaptive radiation

Question 2

List the classifications of species interactions based on their reciprocal effects

Answer 2

(0) (0) = neutral
(0) (+) = commensalism

(+)(+) = mutualism

(0)(-) = amensalism

(-)(-) = competition

(+)(-) = predation, parasitism, or parasitoidism

Question 3

Relationship between species that is negative to individuals of one species, but neutral to the other

Answer 3

amensalism

Question 4

Relationship between two species in which both benefit

Answer 4

mutualism

Question 5

Relationship between species that is beneficial to one, but neutral or of no benefit to the other

Answer 5

commensalism

Question 6

Any interaction that is mutually detrimental to both participants, occurring between species that share limited resources

Answer 6

competition

Question 7

Relationship in which one living organism serves as a food source for another

Answer 7

predation

Question 8

Relationship between two species in which one benefits while the other is harmed (although not usually killed directly)

Answer 8

parasitism

Question 9

Relationship between insect larva that kills its host be consuming the host’s soft tissues before pupation or metamorphosis into an adult

Answer 9

parasitoidism

Question 10

Joint evolution of two or more non-interbreeding species that have a close ecological relationship;

Through reciprocal selective pressures, the evolution of one species in the relationship is partially dependent on the evolution of the other

Answer 10

coevolution

Question 11

Species interactions involving many species;

They are not exclusive, nor do they involve only two species

Answer 11

diffuse interactions

Question 12

The process in which a network of species undergoes reciprocal evolutionary change through natural selection

Answer 12

diffuse coevolution

Question 13

The range of physical and chemical conditions under which a species can persist (survive and reproduce) and the array of essential resources it utilizes

Answer 13

ecological niche

Question 14

Total range of environmental conditions under which a species can survive and reproduce

Answer 14

fundamental niche

Question 15

Portion of the fundamental niche that a species actually exploits as a result of interactions with other species

Answer 15

realized niche

Question 16

The study of the ecology of organisms in the context of the urban environment

Answer 16

urban ecology

Question 17

What are the two major land-use changes that are responsible for habitat loss in terrestrial environments?

Answer 17

1) expanding agriculture

2) urbanization

Question 18

Let’s talk about urbanization and its ecological effects

Answer 18

“There are two major land-use changes that are responsible for habitat loss in terrestrial environments:

1) Expanding agriculture
2) Urbanization”

“Increased urbanization has led to a decline in habitat and loss of many native species, while providing habitat for other, often non-native species.”