Community Ecology Structure and Species Interaction Connor McNeil - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

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Apr 11, 2024 515 likes •629 views

Community Ecology Structure and Species Interaction Connor McNeil and Daniel Crawford Community Structure (aka Spatial Distribution) Described by: Physical Appearance: stratification, distribution, and relative sizes of population and

SLIDE 1

Community Ecology Structure and Species Interaction

Connor McNeil and Daniel Crawford

SLIDE 2

Community Structure (aka Spatial Distribution)

Described by:

Physical Appearance: stratification, distribution,

and relative sizes of population and species

Species Diversity (Richness): number of different

species

Species abundance: number of individuals of

each species

Niche Structure: number of ecological niches,

how the resemble of differ from each other and how they interact

SLIDE 3

Difference in Physical Appearance

Terrestrial biomes consist of vegetation

patches

Difference in size
Leads to boundries:

– Sharp edges: distinct – Ecotones: Gradation

SLIDE 4

Distribution of Biodiversity

Highest Biodiversity in Tropical Rain Forests
However, High Biodiversity and Low Species Abundance
Latitude: Latitude species diversity gradient :

greater diversity in tropics, least at poles (terrestrial systems)

Depth: increases to 2,000m, then decreases,

until ocean surface, which has high diversity (aquatic systems)

SLIDE 5

Species Interaction Competition and Predation

Intraspecific competition: members of the

same species compete for resources

– Territoriality: Patrolling, marking, and/or defending home/nest/feeding sight

Results in Uniform Distribution
Interspecific Competition: Competition

between two or more species for resources

SLIDE 6

Competition

Interference Competition: one species limits

another’s access to resources

Exploitation Competition: species have equal

access to resources, but vary in speed and efficiency of exploitation.

SLIDE 7

Predator-Prey Relations

Predator feed directly on Prey

– Individually harmful – However, through predation, Prey species limited in abundance and increased access to food and genetic stock improved – Use eyesight, speed, pack-hunting, etc – Pursuit and ambush

SLIDE 8

Prey

Naturally avoid being EATEN!!!

– Speed, Detection, Protection, etc. – Camouflage, Mimicry – Chemicals: Poison, Irritation, Smell, Bad Taste – Enlargement

SLIDE 9

Symbiotic Species

Both species helped:

– Parasitism* – Lichens, Bacteria, Algae

*Can be considered special type of predation

SLIDE 10

Commensalism

One species helped; one unaffected