All Flashcards
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.
How do you calculate Simpson's Diversity Index?
- Determine 'n' (number of organisms of a particular species). 2. Determine 'N' (total number of organisms of all species). 3. Calculate (n/N)^2 for each species. 4. Sum all (n/N)^2 values. 5. Subtract the sum from 1: Diversity Index = 1 - Σ (n / N)^2
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.