L9 - Mutualism and Competition

Question 1

Give 4 examples of ways individuals can benefit from a mutualistic relationship

Answer 1

1) food for at least 1 party
2) protection from enemies
3) favourable environment
4) service provided, e.g.: pollination, seed dispersal

Question 2

In a mutualistic relationship between an animal and a flowering plant, give one benefit each could gain

Answer 2

flower: gains pollination
animal: gains food (nectar)

Question 3

What 3 relationship situations for the 2 individuals could a mutualistic relationship have?

Answer 3

1) both obligate
2) both facultative
3) one obligate one facultative

Question 4

What 2 situations does interspecific lead to:`

Answer 4

Either co-existence or competitive exclusion

Question 5

What does interspecific competition result in?`

Answer 5

Increases mortality, slower development, reduced reproduction

Question 6

Define a) fundamental niche b) realised niche

Answer 6

a) fundamental niche - the overall potential of a specie
b) realised niche - the more limited set of resources that allow a species to survive in the presence of a predator or competitors

Question 7

Define competitive exclusion

Answer 7

No two species with identical requirements can exist in the same environment.
Or, if two competing species coexist in an environment they do so as a result of niche differentiation