Community Ecology Flashcards
Community Ecology
Study of how species interact with each other, seen through predation, symbiosis, and competition
Competitive Exclusion Principle
No two species can occupy the same niche at the same time
3 Results of Predation
- Cycling of Predator-Prey population sizes: Intraspecific Competition occurs
- Adaptations in Predator & Prey: Adaptations take place to either hide from predators or to catch prey
- Mimicry: Organisms mimic each other
Four Adaptations of Predation
- Mechanic: Adaptations to discourage physical contact
- Chemical: Adaptations that include Toxins and Venoms
- Behavioral: Adaptations such as playing dead
- Physical: Adaptations such as camoflauge
Two types of Mimicry
- Batesian: Harmless species will mimic harmful ones
- Mullerian: Harmful species will mimic other harmful species
Symbiosis
A close long term relationship between two organisms
3 Types of Symbiosis
- Mutualism: Both organisms mutually benefit off of each other
- Commensal: One organism benefits from another, however the other organism experiences no harm or gain
- Parasitic: One organism benefits from another organism, while the other organism experiences harm
Characterize a Community
Two things are needed, Species richness, and Species Abundance
Species Richness
Total # of Species in a habitat
Species Abundance
Total # of individuals per species in a habitat
Biodiversity
A combination of the richness and abundance of a species
Foundation Species
Species that forms the structural portion of a habitat, increases biodiversity
Keystone Species
A presence that maintains biodiversity
Community Dynamics
How community structure and composition change overtime
Succession
The sequential appearance and disappearance of a species in a community after disturbances
