Species Interactions Brainstorm!

Species Interactions Species Interactions Fitness: the ability of an organism to survive, reproduce, and pass along genes to the next generation What is “Fitness”?

Species Interactions Species Interactions Change in Fitness as a Result of the Interaction + net gain of fitness 0 no net change of fitness - net loss of fitness Fitness: the ability of an organism to survive, reproduce, and pass along genes to the next generation

Predation Definition: One species eats another Definition: One species eats another Example: Carnivore, omnivore, herbivore, parasite, parasitoid Example: Carnivore, omnivore, herbivore, parasite, parasitoid Symbol: +/- Symbol: +/- 4

Parasitism one organism (parasite) obtains its food at the expense of another organism (host) one organism (parasite) obtains its food at the expense of another organism (host) Mosquitoes, tapeworms, leeches Mosquitoes, tapeworms, leeches 5

Prey Adaptations 6

Predator Adaptations Adaptations that predators have that allows them to catch their prey. Adaptations that predators have that allows them to catch their prey. Speed Speed Agility Agility Camouflage Camouflage Packs Packs Claws Claws Teeth Teeth

Competition Definition: Neither organism benefits from the interaction (competition for the same resources is often involved) Definition: Neither organism benefits from the interaction (competition for the same resources is often involved) Example: Different predators competing for the same prey, Oh Deer! Example: Different predators competing for the same prey, Oh Deer! Symbol: -/- Symbol: -/- 8

What can happen? 9 Competitive Exclusion (There’s a winner and a loser)   ResourcePartitioning (Divide up who gets to use what resources)

Mutualism Definition: Both organisms benefit from the interaction Definition: Both organisms benefit from the interaction Example: cleaner wrasse cleaning fish teeth, bees pollinating flowers, digestive bacteria and humans Example: cleaner wrasse cleaning fish teeth, bees pollinating flowers, digestive bacteria and humans Symbol: +/+ Symbol: +/+ 10

To The Aquarium! 3 minutes per area— making observations on the Graphic Organizer 3 minutes per area— making observations on the Graphic Organizer Look for details (they will make you happy!) Look for details (they will make you happy!) Enjoy yourself, but remember that you are a scientist and an academic! Enjoy yourself, but remember that you are a scientist and an academic! Today, you may observe the rays in the touch tank, but save the touching for another time. Today, you may observe the rays in the touch tank, but save the touching for another time. 11

Fitness?!? Turn to your neighbor and remind each other what “fitness” means in ecology 12 Fitness: the ability of an organism to survive, reproduce, and pass along genes to the next generation

Neutralism Definition: Two organisms interact but have no effect on each other. Definition: Two organisms interact but have no effect on each other. Example: Some members of tide pool communities Example: Some members of tide pool communities Symbol: 0/0 Symbol: 0/0 * It is important to remember that this is not the absence of interaction. It is just that the interactions do not impact the fitness of either organism.* 13

Commensalism Definition: Interaction where one organism benefits and the other organism is neither harmed nor benefitted. Definition: Interaction where one organism benefits and the other organism is neither harmed nor benefitted. Example: Cattle egret and cattle, barnacle and whale Example: Cattle egret and cattle, barnacle and whale Symbol: +/0 Symbol: +/0 14

Amensalism Definition: One organism negatively impacts another organism, but it not impacted itself. Definition: One organism negatively impacts another organism, but it not impacted itself. Example: Penicillium bacteria and other bacteria, black walnut tree and other plants (growth inhibitors) Example: Penicillium bacteria and other bacteria, black walnut tree and other plants (growth inhibitors) Symbol: -/0 Symbol: -/0 15