This lesson explores how species interact through predation and herbivory, and how organisms avoid being eaten. These interactions influence population sizes and can shape the evolution of traits.
A community consists of all populations of different species occupying the same area at the same time. Species diversity describes the number of species in a habitat and their relative abundance. Even places with relatively low diversity, such as Antarctic glaciers, contain many forms of life; tropical rainforests can support exceptionally high diversity.
All flashcards
What is species diversity?
The number of species in an area and their relative abundance.
What is predation?
An interaction in which a predator consumes prey. This interaction can affect the abundance of both populations.
How does the snowshoe hare–lynx cycle typically unfold?
Hare numbers rise first, providing more food for lynx; lynx numbers then rise and contribute to hare decline. With fewer hares, lynx numbers fall, allowing hares to recover.
What is aposematic coloration?
Warning coloration that signals to predators that an organism may be toxic, foul-tasting, or capable of stinging or biting.
How do Batesian and Müllerian mimicry differ?
In Batesian mimicry, a harmless species resembles a defended one. In Müllerian mimicry, multiple defended species share a warning appearance.
Quiz questions
What is a community in ecology?Answer: All populations of different species occupying the same area at the same time.
Why may lynx numbers increase after snowshoe hare numbers rise?Answer: More hares provide additional food that can support an increase in lynx.
Which interaction is herbivory?Answer: An animal consumes living plant material.
A harmless insect resembles a stinging wasp. Which form of mimicry does this illustrate?Answer: Batesian mimicry.
How can crowding contribute to snowshoe hare population cycles?Answer: Crowding-related maternal stress can reduce hare fecundity.
Based on Biology 2e by Mary Ann Clark, Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.