Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
WEEK 11: Species Distribution/ Biotic Influencing Factors - Coggle Diagram
WEEK 11: Species Distribution/ Biotic Influencing Factors
Competition (expanded)
definition: a negative relationship where two species (perhaps even multiple) compete over a shared resource that is in short supply. this results in one species absorbing resources, becoming dominant, reducing the growth/ survival of another species
intraspecific competition: competition between individual members within the same species. impacts population population dynamics
interspecific competition: competition between individuals of different specie groups. can impact community structure of ecosystem
biotic factors
definition: living components that impact the interaction of species within the ecosystem.
competition
predation
definition: when one species feeds off another species (prey)- this leads to evolutionary adaptations in both species (that maintain their survival)
example: herbivory - specific type of predation where herbivores consume plants, prompting plants to develop defence mechanisms (chemical/ physical) to maintain their survival
symbiosis
definition: close ties amongst 2 species that has evolved over time. can be mutualism. parasitism, commensalism
parasitism: relationship between 2 species where one benefits at the expense of the other, typically harming the host
mutualism: a positive interaction where both species benefit from each other's co-existence. eg) nitrogen fixing bacteria enter the legume roots and cause nodules to grow. bacteria lives here. bacteria converts nitrogen into the air, causing plant to grow, plant provies bacteria with sugars to consume. bees pollinate flowers, facilitate the reproduction and survival of seed plants, bees have food to eat
ecosystem regulation
definition: the role of predators in maintaining balance in ecosystems. eg) how the removal of apex predators causes prey population explosions
example: Wolves and Deer in Eastern Forests: The removal of wolves by settlers in Eastern North America l
ed to an explosion in elk and deer populations.
This overpopulation resulted in
over-browsing, where deer removed all foliage below a certain height, significantly altering the landscape and vegetation
example: Wolf Reintroduction in Yellowstone: The reintroduction of wolves in Yellowstone National Park in 1995 is cited as a successful case of restoring vegetation and ecosystem function. This action demonstrated how
predators can help maintain ecological balance by controlling herbivore populations, which in turn supports plant diversity and health
example: Otters in Coastal Marine Systems: Otters are considered apex predators that help regulate prey populations, maintaining balance in ecosystems. Their
presence is crucial for controlling species abundances
, which in turn
influences ecosystem processes.
T
he removal of sea otters caused a surge in sea urchin populations that then over-grazed kelp