FREE Ecology of Species Interactions Questions and Answers
What is community ecology primarily concerned with?
Community ecology focuses on how different species interact with each other within a given area, including competition, predation, and symbiosis.
What is an example of herbivory in community ecology?
Herbivory refers to the interaction where an organism feeds on plants. In this case, the cow eating grass is a classic example of herbivory.
What is the term for a relationship where both species benefit from the interaction?
Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit. Examples include bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar.
What is the role of a keystone species in a community?
Keystone species play a critical role in maintaining the structure of an ecosystem or community, despite not always being the most abundant species. Their loss can lead to significant changes in the community structure.
Which of the following is an example of competitive exclusion?
Competitive exclusion occurs when two species compete for the same resources, and one species outcompetes the other, causing it to be driven to extinction in that environment.