Chapter 4 - Species Interactions & Community Ecology

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Competition

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A species interaction in which multiple organisms seek the same limited resource(s). Can take place among members of the same species or among members of different species.

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Competitive Exclusion

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An outcome of interspecific competition in which one species excludes another species from resource use entirely.

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Species Coexistence

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An outcome of interspecific competition in which no competing species fully excludes others and the species continue to live side by side.

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Fundamental Niche

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The full niche of a species.

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Realized Niche

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The portion of the fundamental niche that is fully realized by a species.

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Resource Partitioning

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The process by which species adapt to competition by evolving to use slightly different resources, or to use shared resources in different ways, thus minimizing interference with one another.

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Character Displacement

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A phenomenon resulting from competition among species in which competing species evolve characteristics that better adapt them to specialize on the portion of the resource they use. The species essentially become more different from one another, reducing their competition.

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Predation

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A species interaction in which one species searches for, captures, and ultimately kills its prey.

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Parasitism

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A species interaction in which one organism, the parasite, depends on another, the host, for nourishment or some other benefit while simultaneously doing the host harm.

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Pathogens

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A parasite that causes disease in its host, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, hepatitis, AIDS.