Competition and Predation Flashcards
Define intraspecific competition
Competition between members of the same species (who occupy the same niche and use the same resources)
What does intraspecific competition compete for
For mates, shelter, food and water, social position, habitats/territories
For space, light, minerals and nutrients (PLANTS)
What happens to intraspecific competition as population density increases? Why? What shape curve does this create
As population density increases, intraspecific competition also increases to maintain a constant population biomass
Creates an S shaped curve
Define interspecific competition
Competition between members of different species
What does interspecific competition compete for
For food
For light and water (PLANTS)
Who is interspecific competition more common in
Plants
What happens if two populations of different species occupy the same niche? Why
The number of individuals in one population will increase and the other will decrease. This is because one species usually has a competitive advantage over the other so will be able to use resources (which are limited) and compete most effectively, ultimately eliminating the other species
Define resource partitioning
Specialisation of different species to make use of different resources (OR division of the available resources to reduce/avoid competition)
What are the 2 types of resource partitioning? Give examples
Vertical separation - eg canopy dwellers or forest dwellers
Horizontal separation - eg occupation of different microhabitats
What are the characteristics of a predator
Faster movement, camouflage, good smell, vision and hearing to detect prey
What are the characteristics of prey
Camouflage, spines/shells for defence, exhibit concealment behaviour
What is a predator
An organism that feeds on another organism
