Specialist and Generalist Species

Question 1

when do specialist species have the advantage?

Answer 1

specialist species tend to be advantaged in habitats that remain constant

Question 2

when do generalist species have the advantage?

Answer 2

generalist species tend to be advantaged in habitats that are changing

Question 3

are specialist species more or less prone to extinction? why?

Answer 3

specialists have a smaller range of tolerance, or narrower ecological niche makes them more prone to extinction because they have specific food requirements and less ability to adapt to new conditions

Question 4

are generalist species more or less prone to extinction? why?

Answer 4

generalists have a larger range of tolerance, a broader niche makes them less prone to extinction and more likely to be invasive
they have broad food requirements and high adaptability

Question 5

what are the characteristics of a specialist species?

Answer 5

• narrow niche
• less adaptable because of specialized needs
• more likely to become extinct
• use a specific set of resources
• easily affected by changing conditions
• have an advantage when conditions are more constant

Question 6

what are the characteristics of a generalist species?

Answer 6

• broad niche
• adaptable to many environments
• less likely to become extinct
• use a variety of resources
• high range of tolerance
• have an advantage when conditions change