Species in Ecosystems

Biodiversity Environmental conditions leading to evolution has lead to many different types of living things.

Species diversity- variety of species on earth or in a habitat. Biodiversity Types: Species diversity- variety of species on earth or in a habitat. Genetic diversity- gene variability within a species.

Ecological diversity- variety of different ecosystems on earth or in a biome.

Importance of Biodiversity Stored genetic information for future survival of a species.

Useful products- wood, medicines, food, fibers, chemicals, raw materials.

Recycling and purification services. Natural pest control. Ecosystem stability.

Species Types Native Species- normally live and thrive in a particular ecosystem. Has been there since before humans. Ex. Raccoon, Mockingbird.

Keystone species- organisms whose presence has a big effect on the environment despite relatively small numbers. A top level predator that controls the populations of species lower in the food chain. Ex. Lions, Wolves, Elephants, Coyotes, Bobcats

Indicator species- serve as early warning that an ecosystem is being damaged. Amphibians get mutations due to pollutants in the environment. Birds die due to pesticide use.

Alien/Invasive/introduced species- do not normally live in an ecosystem. Are introduced by humans or immigrate. Compete for food and habitat with native species. The European Rabbit in Australia has caused severe range damage severely impacting the environment and food web.

Niche A species total way of life. It’s role in the ecosystem. All of it’s chemical, physical, and biological requirements.

Specialized Niche Narrow niche. May only eat one thing or live in one type of habitat. Koala bears only eat Eukalyptus leaves leaving them vulnerable to extinction.

Generalized Niche Broad niche. Eats many things and lives in a variety of habitats. Coyotes eat a wide variety of animals and plants and adapt easily to all types of habitats including neighborhoods.

Competition Interspecific competition- species compete for one or more of the same limited resources. Lions, Hyenas and other animals battle for the leftovers at kills made by lion prides.

Interference competition- one species limits another species access to a resource. Squirrels block bird feeders limiting access to the birds.

Exploitative- one species is better adapted to exploit a resource better than another species. Hummingbirds have beaks that are specifically adapted for collecting nectar from specific flowers.

Resource partitioning- species exploit the same resource in different ways or at different times. Owls hunt mice at night while hawks hunt mice during the day.

Species Interactions

Predator-Prey relationships species feed on prey species. Ex. bobcats feed on rabbits.

Symbiotic Relationships Two organisms of different species live interdependently. 3 types: parasitism, commensalism, mutualism

Parasitism parasite species benefits while the host species is harmed. Ex. Ticks/dogs.

Mutualism both species benefit. Ex. lichens, intestinal bacteria, legume plants and rhizopus.

Commensalism one species benefits while the other is unaffected. Ex. Cattle and Cattle Egrets.