Unit 3.1 - Specialist vs Generalist Species

Question 1

What is a specialist?

Answer 1

• A species with a smaller range of tolerance or narrow ecological niche which makes them prone to extinction
• Specific food requirements
• Less ability to adapt to new conditions

Question 2

What is a generalist species?

Answer 2

• larger range of tolerance and broader niche allows them to be less likely to go extinct
• broad food requirements
• high adaptability

Question 3

Specialist

Answer 3

• 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 4

Generalist

Answer 4

• 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