Species Interaction Flashcards
What are the classifications of species interactions?
- Neutral
- Mutualism
- Commensalism
- Competition
- Amensalism
- Prediation
- Parasitism/parasitoidism
0, - or +
What is competition in terms of species interactions?
(- -)
Competition occurs when species negatively impact each other.
What does amensalism represent in species interactions?
(- 0)
In amensalism, one species is harmed while the other is unaffected.
What is the difference between parasitism and parasitoidism?
Both (+ -), but in parasitoidism, the host always dies
Parasitism can involve a host living while parasitoidism leads to the host’s death.
How do higher predator populations affect prey mortality?
Increase prey mortality
This relationship affects the dynamics of both predator and prey populations.
What is the correlation between prey populations and predator reproductive success?
Higher prey populations correlate with higher predator reproductive success
This dynamic illustrates the interdependence of species within ecosystems.
How do negative impacts on prey populations influence policies?
They have influenced anti-carnivore policies
This reflects the human response to ecological dynamics.
What is coevolution?
Reciprocal changes between interacting species over many generations
Coevolution can lead to significant evolutionary adaptations.
What is evidence for coevolution?
- Observed changes in frequencies, such as seed size frequency
- Morphological adaptations critical for specific relationships
Changes in species can indicate coevolutionary processes.
What are morphological adaptations?
These adaptations can be seen in various species interacting with each other
What is the ecological niche?
Range of physical and chemical conditions under which an organism can persist, and the array of essential resources it utilizes
This concept defines how species fit into their environments.
What is Hutchinson’s idea of the niche?
Niche as a hypervolume with numerous dimensions
This concept emphasizes the complexity of ecological niches.
What is a fundamental niche?
Physiological niche = set of environmental conditions wherein an organism can persist
This defines the potential habitat of a species without competition.
What is a realized niche?
Portion of space actually exploited by an organism in the real world
Realized niches can be smaller due to competition.
True or False: Species interactions only occur between two organisms.
False
A diffuse web of interactions exists among multiple species.
What are mycorrhizal relationships most beneficial for?
Plants in nutrient poor regions
Mycorrhizal fungi assist plants in nutrient uptake.
What happens to the benefit of mycorrhizal fungi as nutrient availability increases?
Switch from a net benefit to a net cost
This reflects the changing dynamics of plant-fungi interactions.
What type of interactions does the pollinator network demonstrate?
Diffuse interactions
This shows the complexity of ecological relationships.
What is an example of species interactions shaping the environment?
Barnacles busting barnacles, parasitoids hollowing out their hosts, or plants poisoning other plants
Such interactions drive adaptive radiations.
