Species Interaction Flashcards
What are indicator species? Give an example.
Indicator species serve as early warnings that a community or an ecosystem is being damaged
Frogs are an example of an indicator species because they breathe through their skin and are easily affected by contamination
What are keystone species? Give an example.
Some species in an ecosystem may be much more important than their numbers suggest because their role in the ecosystem acts to prevent the collapse of the ecosystem
Sea otters living in kelp forests are an example of a keystone species because they keep the sea urchin populations under control
How do species interact?
Species may interact through: Competition Predation Parasitism Mutualism Commensalism
How does competition occur?
Competition may occur between members of the same species for the same resource
Competition may occur between members of more than one species for food, space, or any other limited resource.
Similar species cannot occupy the same area for very long.
Sometimes one species eliminates another species in a particular area through competition for limited resources.
Some species with similar needs will avoid competition by using a resource at a different time, in a different way, or in a different place.
How does a predator-prey relationship help an ecosystem?
A predator-prey relationship may not be good for an individual, but will help the prey species overall by controlling their numbers and increasing resources for those prey who are still alive.
