Flashcards · Biology · Communities in Ecosystems
Interdependence and Competition
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What is interdependence?
Species in a community depending on each other.
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What is predation?
A predator hunting and eating its prey.
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What is mutualism?
An interaction in which both organisms benefit.
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Give an example of mutualism.
Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the root nodules of clover.
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What is parasitism?
A parasite living on or in a host and feeding on it, which harms the host.
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Give an example of a parasite.
A tapeworm, a tick or a flea.
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What do plants compete for?
Light, water, mineral ions and space.
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What do animals compete for?
Food, water, mates, shelter and territory.
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What happens to the prey when the predators increase?
The prey population falls.
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Which peaks first on a predator-prey graph?
The prey.
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Why does the predator peak come later?
The predators need the extra prey to reproduce and grow.
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What is a stable community?
One where the populations stay fairly constant.
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What happens if a species is removed from a community?
The species that depend on it are affected.
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Who benefits in parasitism?
The parasite.
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Do both organisms benefit in competition?
No, both are harmed, because they need the same resource.
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Name the type of interaction and say who benefits. Predation: the predator benefits and the prey is harmed. Competition: both are harmed. Mutualism: both benefit. Parasitism: the parasite benefits and the host is harmed.