The document discusses 5 major types of species interactions: predation, mimicry, parasitism, mutualism, and commensalism. It also discusses competition between species for limited resources, which can lead to competitive exclusion or evolution of differences to reduce competition through character displacement or resource partitioning. Ecological succession is described as the gradual replacement of species over time in an area, beginning with pioneer species and progressing to a climax community.
TrustArc Webinar - Unlock the Power of AI-Driven Data Discovery
Species interactions
1. Species Interactions
5 major types of symbioses-
Close interactions among species.
2. • Predator captures, kills, and consumes prey.
• Determines relationships in food web.
• Regulates population size.
• Adaptation in predators and prey due to
Natural Selection.
4. Herbivores are predators, plants prey!
• Plants have defenses as well. Secondary
compounds = toxic but can be medicinal.
• Stinging Nettle Night Shade
8. 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.
12. 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!