Parasitic Niche Flashcards
What is an ecological niche?
An ecological niche is a multidimensional summary of tolerances and requirements of a species.
What is a niche?
A niche can be summarised as the role taken by an organism within the community and ecosystem.
What is the fundamental niche?
The fundamental niche is the niche that the organism occupies when there are no other species present competing for space or resources.
What is the realised niche?
The realised niche is the niche that the organism occupies when there is competition from other species.
What is the competition exclusion principle?
Competition exclusion principle when two species are in intense competition with one another and the weaker of the two species becomes locally extinct.
What is the 4C law?
Complete
Competitors
Cannot
Coexist
Why are species realised niches sufficiently different?
to allow them to avoid competition.
Why do parasites tend to have a narrow niche?
Parasites tend to have a narrow niche as they are very host specific
Why are many parasites said to be degenerate?
As the host provides so many of the parasites needs
What is meant by parasites being degenerate?
This means that the parasites lack internal organs as they are of no beneficial use to them.
How does being degenerate limit the parasite?
This limits parasites as they are unable to survive out with the host.
What are the two categories of parasites and what does each mean?
- Ectoparasites - Adult form found on the exterior of host e.g. head lice
- Endoparasites - Adult form found inside the host e.g. malaria
What is the definitive host?
The organisms on or in which the parasite reaches sexual maturity is the definitive host.
What may an intermediate host be required for.
Intermediate host may also be required for the parasite to complete its life cycle.
What does a vector play an important role in?
A vector plays an important role in the transmission of the parasite and may also be a host e.g. mosquito.
