All Flashcards
What is a community in ecology?
A group of different populations living in the same area, interacting with each other.
Define species diversity.
The variety of species in a community, considering both the number of species and their relative abundance.
What is the Simpson's Diversity Index?
A quantitative measure used to estimate the species diversity of a community.
Define interspecies competition.
Competition between different species for the same limited resources.
What is niche partitioning?
The process by which species divide resources to avoid competition.
Define mutualism.
A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit (+/+).
Define commensalism.
A symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped (+/0).
Define parasitism.
A symbiotic relationship where one species (parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (host) (+/-).
What is a trophic cascade?
Effects on other levels of the ecosystem due to predator-prey relationships.
What are the differences between mutualism and commensalism?
Mutualism: Both species benefit (+/+) | Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is unaffected (+/0)
What are the differences between parasitism and predation?
Parasitism: Parasite benefits at the host's expense, usually smaller than host | Predation: Predator kills and eats prey, often similar in size or larger.
What are the differences between competition and niche partitioning?
Competition: Species directly compete for the same resources, leading to negative impacts on one or both. | Niche Partitioning: Species evolve to utilize different resources or aspects of the same resource, reducing direct competition.
What is the effect of high species diversity on a community?
Increased stability and resilience to environmental changes.
What is the effect of interspecies competition?
Can lead to a decrease in one population, stabilization of both, or niche partitioning.
What is the effect of a predator controlling prey populations?
Can create trophic cascades, affecting other levels of the ecosystem.
What happens when two species compete for the same limited resources?
It can lead to a decrease in one or both populations, or niche partitioning may occur.
What happens when a keystone species is removed from a community?
The community structure can change dramatically, potentially leading to a loss of biodiversity.