Species Interactions Flashcards
What are the possible effects of interactions on two species?
Positive +, negative -, or no effect 0
What are the main categories in the interaction grid?
Mutualism +/+, competition -/-, commensalism +/0, antagonism -/+, and amensalism -/0
Define competition
A negative/negative interaction where resource use by one individual reduces it’s availability for others
Differentiate between intraspecific and inter specific competition
Intraspecific is competition within the same species; inter specific is competition between different species
What is a niche?
The total range of abiotic and biotic conditions tolerated and resources used by a species
Distinguish between fundamental and realized niche
Fundamental niche is the full range a species could occupy; realized niche is the actual subset occupied due to competition
What does the Competitive Exclusion Principle state?
Two species competing for the same limiting resources cannot coexist in the same place
Define mutualism
A positive/positive interaction where both species benefit
Give an example of plant-pollinator mutualism
Bees pollinating flowers while gaining nectar
What are mycorrhizae?
Fungi that form symbiotic relationships with plants, providing water and nutrients while receiving sugars
What are pollination syndromes?
Floral traits associated with specific pollinators, such as color and odor
Which pollinators are active and night and what traits do the flowers have?
Moths and bats; flowers are white or pale with strong odors
Define antagonism
A negative/positive relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other
Name four forms of antagonism
Predation, herbivory, parasitism, and pathogens
What is the role of herbivory resistance mechanisms?
Protect plants from herbivores through structural (thorns) or chemical (toxins) defenses
Define commensalism
A positive/unaffected interaction where one species benefits and the other is unaffected
Define amensalism
A negative/unaffected interaction where one species is harmed, and other is unaffected
What is competitive exclusion?
Gauze’s Paramecium experiment: one species outcompetes and excludes the other
Name an example of mutualism involving nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Bacteria provide nitrogen to legumes, which supply organic carbon
