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Community EcologyStructure and Species Interaction
Connor McNeil and Daniel Crawford
Community Structure (aka Spatial Distribution)Described by: Physical Appearance: stratification,
distribution, and relative sizes of population and species
Species Diversity (Richness): number of different species
Species abundance: number of individuals of each species
Niche Structure: number of ecological niches, how the resemble of differ from each other and how they interact
Difference in Physical Appearance Terrestrial biomes consist of vegetation
patches Difference in size
Leads to boundries: Sharp edges: distinct Ecotones: Wider, more gradual transition zones
Distribution of Biodiversity• Highest Biodiversity in Tropical Rain Forests
However, High Biodiversity and Low Species Abundance
Latitude: Latitude species diversity gradient : greater diversity in tropics, least at poles (terrestrial systems)
Depth: increases to 2,000m, then decreases, until ocean surface, which has high diversity (aquatic systems)
Species InteractionCompetition and Predation Intraspecific competition: members of the
same species compete for resources Territoriality: Patrolling, marking, and/or defending
home/nest/feeding sight Interspecific Competition: Competition
between two or more species for resources
Competition Interference Competition: one species limits
another’s access to resources Exploitation Competition: species have equal
access to resources, but vary in speed and efficiency of exploitation.
Predator-Prey Relations Predator feed directly on Prey
Individually harmful However, through predation, Prey species limited
in abundance and increased access to food and genetic stock improved
Use eyesight, speed, pack-hunting, etc Pursuit and ambush
Prey Naturally avoid being EATEN!!!
Speed, Detection, Protection, etc. Camouflage, Mimicry
Chemicals: Poison, Irritation, Smell, Bad Taste
Enlargement
Symbiotic Species Both species helped:
Parasitism* Lichens, Bacteria, Algae
*Can be considered special type of predation
Commensalism One species helped; one unaffected
Ex: Raccoons and human garbage
Sources http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/scie
nce/edexcel_pre_2011/environment/populationsandpyramidsrev5.shtml
http://i2.wp.com/naturalunseenhazards.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/raccoons.jpg
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Y9-9pUdrfsQ/TASYkDVUQLI/AAAAAAAAAXE/KStyyjVahy8/s1600/IMG_3981.JPG
http://read.uconn.edu/PSYC3501/Lecture02/ http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eucaly
ptus_forest_and_button_grassland.jpg http://www.life.illinois.edu/ib/453/