community ecology Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is a community in ecology?
A group of populations of different species living close enough to interact.
What is the difference between interspecific and intraspecific interactions?
Interspecific: Between different species.
Intraspecific: Between individuals of the same species.
What is interspecific competition?
Competition for limited resources that harms both species involved (-/-).
What is allelopathy?
When plants release toxic chemicals to kill off competitors (chemical warfare).
What is predation?
Interaction where one species (predator) benefits and the other (prey) is harmed (+/-).
What are some adaptations that help predators?
Speed, camouflage, sharp senses, claws, teeth, venom.
What is herbivory?
When an herbivore benefits and a plant is harmed (+/-).
What is symbiosis?
Two or more species living in direct and intimate contact with each other.
What is parasitism?
A symbiotic relationship where the parasite benefits and the host is harmed (+/-).
What are endoparasites and ectoparasites?
Endoparasites: Live inside the host (e.g., tapeworms, liver flukes).
Ectoparasites: Live on the external surface of the host (e.g., ticks, mites).
What is mutualism?
A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit (+/+).
What is the difference between obligate and facultative mutualism?
Obligate: At least one species cannot survive alone (e.g., termites and gut microbes).
Facultative: Both species could survive without each other (e.g., acacia trees and ants).
What is commensalism?
A relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped (+/0).
What is mechanical defense? (Example?)
Physical defenses like a porcupine’s quills.
What is chemical defense? (Example?)
Chemical protection like a skunk’s spray.
What is aposematic coloration? (Example?)
Bright warning colors to signal danger (e.g., poison dart frog).
What is cryptic coloration? (Example?)
Camouflage to blend in with surroundings (e.g., canyon tree frog).
What is Batesian mimicry?
A harmless species mimics a harmful one.
What is Müllerian mimicry?
Two or more harmful species mimic each other to reinforce warning signals.
