Communities & Ecosystems Dynamics Review

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What is the competitive exclusion principle?

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The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same limited resource cannot coexist at constant population values. One species will outcompete the other, leading to the exclusion of the less competitive species.

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What is a pioneer species?

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A pioneer species is the first species to colonize previously disrupted or damaged ecosystems, initiating the process of ecological succession. An example is lichens on volcanic rock.

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What is ecological succession?

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Ecological succession is the process by which ecosystems change and develop over time, involving a series of species replacements and community changes.

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What is a climax community?

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A climax community is a stable and mature ecological community that has reached a final stage of succession, characterized by a diverse array of species and a balanced ecosystem.

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What type of symbiosis occurs when one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed?

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This type of symbiosis is called commensalism.

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What is mutualism?

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Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms involved benefit from the interaction.

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Give an example of mutualism in nature.

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An example of mutualism is the relationship between pilot fish and sharks, where pilot fish clean the sharks and receive protection in return.

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What is the difference between commensalism and mutualism?

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In commensalism, one organism benefits while the other is unaffected, whereas in mutualism, both organisms benefit from the relationship.

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What role do lichens play in ecological succession?

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Lichens are pioneer species that help break down rock into soil, facilitating the growth of other plants and contributing to the development of a new ecosystem.

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What is an ecological niche?

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An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.