Ecology - Species Interactions

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What is mutualism?

Back

A type of species interaction where both species benefit from the relationship, such as a bee pollinating a flower while obtaining nectar.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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Define commensalism.

Back

A type of species interaction where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

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What is parasitism?

Back

A relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host), often harming the host.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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Explain the concept of competition in ecology.

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Competition occurs when two or more organisms attempt to use the same limited resources, such as food, water, or space.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

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Front

What is the difference between mutualism and parasitism?

Back

Mutualism benefits both species involved, while parasitism benefits one species at the expense of the other.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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Give an example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit from being transported to feeding areas, while the whale is unaffected.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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What is an ecological niche?

Back

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

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Describe the term 'keystone species.'

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A keystone species is a species that has a disproportionately large effect on its environment relative to its abundance, often maintaining the structure of the ecosystem.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

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Front

What is the competitive exclusion principle?

Back

The competitive exclusion principle states that two species competing for the same resources cannot coexist if other ecological factors are constant.

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Define symbiosis.

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Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different species, which can be mutualistic, commensalistic, or parasitic.