Predation and competition

• What is the definition of "population" in ecological terms?

  A group of individuals of the same species
• What is an ecological niche?

  The role of a population within its community
• What components make up an ecosystem?

  Abiotic and biotic components
• What is the log10 scale used for in ecology?

  • Express large numbers conveniently
  • Used for plotting population data
  • Increases by a factor of 10 each time
• What does log10(x) represent?

  The power to raise 10 to obtain x
• Why is a log10 scale preferred for large populations?

  It simplifies plotting large ranges of numbers
• What is the result of increased prey population density?

  Increased predator population
• What happens when the prey population declines?

  Predator competition increases, leading to decline
• How do predator-prey population densities behave over time?

  They show cyclic oscillations
• What is the effect of removing a dominant predator like a starfish?

  It allows prey populations to explode
• What is the difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition?

  Intraspecific is within the same species
• What types of interactions occur between organisms in nature?

  • Predation
  • Parasitism
  • Mutualism
• How do adaptations help animals in competition?

  They enhance survival and resource acquisition
• What is the significance of behavioral adaptations in competition?

  They improve success in acquiring resources
• How does predation affect population sizes in ecosystems?

  It regulates prey populations through predation