18.3 Types of Interactions

Limiting Factors & Carrying Capacity Limiting Factor – something that limits the size of a population Ex: Food, Water, Space Carrying Capacity – the largest population that an environment can support. Limiting factors influence the carrying capacity.

Competition Competition occurs when two organisms try to use the same resources. Can be within a population or a community

Predation Prey – organism that is killed & eaten by another Predator – organism that kills another for food. Predators have adaptations that help them capture their prey (i.e. speed, sharp teeth, claws). Prey also have adaptations to protect themselves (i.e. camouflage, poison).

Symbiosis Symbiosis is the long term association or relationship between organisms that benefits at least 1 organism. 3 Types: Mutualism, Commensalism, Parasitism

  Mutualism Symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit. Example:

Commensalism Symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.   Example:

Parasitism Symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is harmed.   Example:

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Comprehension Check How do limiting factors affect the carrying capacity? How are the three types of symbiosis different? How are predation and parasitism different?