Interspecific Relationships Flashcards
What is an interspecific relationship?
An interaction between members of different species
Describe a mutualistic relationship
A relationship between two different species where both benefit from each other
Describe a commensalism relationship
A relationship between two different species where one species benefits and the other is unaffected
Describe an exploitation relationship
A relationship between two different species where one species benefits and the other is harmed
Describe a predation relationship
A type of exploitation relationship where one animal benefits from killing another animal who is harmed
Describe a parasitism relationship
A type of exploitation relationship where one species benefits by deriving/taking food or some other benefit from another species who is therefore harmed
Describe a herbivory/grazing relationship
A type of exploitation relationship where an animal benefits by gaining food when eating a plant which is harmed
Describe allelopathy
A type of exploitation relationship where one plant benefits by producing chemicals that prevent other plants from growing thus receiving less competition for light, nutrients etc.
Describe competition
A relationship where both species are harmed because each either take resources from the other or both use energy to prevent others from taking their resources
Describe prey avoidance strategies
Mimicry - Batesian and Mullerian Group defence Chemical defence Physical defence - claws, thorns Camouflage
Describe predator strategies
Group ambush
Camouflage
Define Gause’s Principle
No two species can have identical niches otherwise one will always outcompete the other
