Ecology - Species Interactions

Front 1

Resource Partitioning

Back 1

The differentiation of niches that enables similar species to coexist in a community. (Unlike character displacement, they don't have the same niche when in separate environments)

Front 2

Predation, herbivory, parasitism

Back 2

One species benefits, while the other is harmed.

Front 3

Mutualism

Back 3

Both species benefit. Examples are seed dispersal or pollination.

Front 4

Amensalism

Back 4

One species is not affected, though the other is harmed. Example: Elephant stepping on an ant.

Front 5

Commensalism

Back 5

One species is not affected, though the other is benefited.

Front 6

Exploitative Competition

Back 6

Indirect: two species compete for a resource that is limiting (in short supply relative to their needs).

Front 7

Interference Competition

Back 7

Direct: two species directly harm each other by injury or wasting time, increasing risk, etc.

Front 8

Apparent Competition

Back 8

Indirect: two species decrease in each other’s presence because they support the increased abundance or vigor of a common predator.

Front 9

Character Displacement

Back 9

The tendency for characteristics to be more divergent in sympatric populations of two species than in allopatric populations of the same two species.

Front 10

Parasitoid

Back 10

Usually an insect harming another. Each juvenile develops from 1 host, killing and consuming that host.