Intraspecific Relationships

Question 1

Define an intraspecific relationship

Answer 1

An interaction between members of the same species

Question 2

Why is intraspecific competition more intense than interspecific competition?

Answer 2

Because two members of the same species have the same resource requirements

Question 3

Define a hierarchy

Answer 3

A linear or complex order of dominance within a social group of the same species

Question 4

Describe how hierarchies are maintained

Answer 4

Aggressive/submissive behaviours

Fighting

Question 5

Explain the benefit of hierarchies to a species

Answer 5

Reduces overall aggression in the social group
Ensures alpha individuals receive feeding rights
Ensures alpha individuals receive breeding rights
Provides protection to the social group

Question 6

Explain the disadvantages of hierarchies to a species

Answer 6

Maintaining hierarchies can involve fighting

Lower ranking individuals do not have feeding or breeding rights

Question 7

Define a territory

Answer 7

An area around a home base that is defended against members of its own species

Question 8

Define a home range

Answer 8

An area around an organism’s territory in which it searches for food and other resources but is not defended

Question 9

Describe how territories are defended

Answer 9

Vocal calls
Scent
Aggressive displays
Fighting

Question 10

Explain how population density affects the size of a territory

Answer 10

Higher the density, greater the intraspecific competition, smaller the territory

Question 11

Explain how the amount of resources available affects the size of a territory

Answer 11

Less resources available the larger the territory because more space is needed to find the resources needed to support the individual and its family

Question 12

Explain how size and aggression affects the size of a territory

Answer 12

Larger individuals and aggressive individuals tend to have larger territories because they are able to defend a bigger area

Question 13

State why territories are of benefits to a species

Answer 13

Individuals with better genes tend to hold territories and are more likely to attract a female
Territories ensure the population is at carrying capacity - the right number of individuals in an area for its resources
Individuals are spread out - less chance of passing on disease

Question 14

Describe disadvantages of territories

Answer 14

Maintaining territories can involve fighting

Not every individual will hold a territory and therefore is unlikely to breed

Question 15

Define courtship

Answer 15

Ritual behaviour between members of the same species in order to establish a pair bond

Question 16

Describe the advantages of courtship

Answer 16

Help ensure that mating occurs between members of the same species
Reduced overall aggression between male and female
Provide a strong pair bond
Encourage female to be ready for fertilisation

Question 17

Define a pair bond

Answer 17

Stable relationship between members of the same species

Question 18

Describe the advantages of pair bonds

Answer 18

Share the raising of offspring - feeding/defence

Question 19

Describe a ‘r’ strategist

Answer 19

Have lost of offspring in the hope that some survive to reproductive age. Dedicate time and energy into feeding to ensure the individual is in a good physiological state for reproduction

Question 20

Describe a ‘K’ strategist

Answer 20

Have a few offspring. Time and energy is directed into feeding and defending the offspring from predators to ensure most survive to reproductive age.