Species Interactions
5 major types of symbioses-Close interactions among species.
• Predator captures, kills, and consumes prey.• Determines relationships in food web.• Regulates population size.• Adaptation in predators and prey due to
Natural Selection.
Mimicry
Herbivores are predators, plants prey!
• Plants have defenses as well. Secondary compounds = toxic but can be medicinal.
• Stinging Nettle Night Shade
Parasitism
• Parasite benefits, host is harmed.• Ecto – outside Endo- inside
Mutualism
• Both species benefit.
Commensalism
• One species benefits, the other is “neutral”
Competition
• Results from niche overlap- use of same limited resource by 2 or more SPECIES.
• Competitive Exclusion – 1 species uses resource and other is eliminated (NS)
• Character Displacement – Evolution of anatomical differences that reduce competition between similar species.
• Resource Partitioning- reduced competition.
Competitive Exclusion
Character displacement
Succession- gradual sequential growth of species in an area
• Primary Succession – Development of a community in an area that has not supported life previously.
• Secondary Succession – DUH! Sequential replacement of species that follows a disruption of an existing community.
• Pioneer Species – predominate early in succession, tend to be small, fast-growing, fast reproducing.
• Climax community –DUH!
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