Species Interactions
By Sarah Cameron
Species CompetitionInterspecific
Competition:competition between members of different species
Intraspecific Competition:competition between members of the same species
Competitive Exclusion vs. Species Coexistence
Competitive exclusion - when a species entirely excludes another species from the use of a resource
Species coexistence - when none of the competing species exclude each other, but instead are able to live side by side
Types of Niches Fundamental Niche-
the full niche where a species could live
Realized Niche-the portion of the fundamental niche where a species actually lives
Mutualism
Mutualism is a relationship in which two or more species benefit from interaction with one another
Examples:Bumble Bee &
Flower
Clownfish and Sea Anemone
Resource Partitioning Resource
partitioning- species adapt to competition by evolving to use different resources or using their shared resources in different ways
Partitioning = Dividing
Can lead to character displacement – evolving characteristics that reflect their different reliance on resources
Example of Character Displacement
AMENSALISM
Amensalism- relationship in which one organism is harmed while the other is unaffected
Example:Black Walnut Tree
Allelopathy- plants release poisonous chemicals that harm those surrounding them
Commensalism- one species is benefited and the other is unaffected
Example:Remora Shark
Commensalism