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All 14 Flashcards — Interspecific relationships
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Question
What is an interspecific relationship?
Answer
An interaction between **two different species** ('inter' = between, 'specific' = species).
Question
How are interspecific relationships classified?
Answer
By the **effect on each species**: **+** if it benefits, **–** if it is harmed.
Question
Define predation.
Answer
One organism (the **predator**) kills and eats another (the **prey**). Predator **+**, prey **–**.
Question
Define herbivory.
Answer
An animal eats a plant (or part of one). The herbivore **+**, the plant **–** (often not killed).
Question
Define competition (and its effect signs).
Answer
Two species use the same **limited resource**, so **both are harmed** ( **– / –** ).
Question
Define mutualism (and its effect signs).
Answer
Two species live closely together and **both benefit** ( **+ / +** ).
Question
Define parasitism.
Answer
A **parasite** lives on or in a **host**, taking nutrients. Parasite **+**, host **–**.
Question
Define pathogenicity.
Answer
A **pathogen** (disease-causing microbe) infects a host and causes **disease**. Pathogen **+**, host **–**.
Question
Which relationship has both species benefiting?
Answer
**Mutualism** ( **+ / +** ) — e.g. a bee pollinating a flower; legume + nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Question
Which relationship harms both species?
Answer
**Competition** ( **– / –** ) — it is the only – / – relationship.
Question
Three relationships are + / –. How do you tell them apart?
Answer
By **how** the harm happens: **eaten** → predation/herbivory; **lived on / infected** → parasitism/pathogenicity.
Question
How do you fully explain a relationship in an exam?
Answer
**Name** the relationship **and** state how **each** species is affected (+ / –). Naming alone scores only half.
Question
Gut bacteria make vitamins for a human and gain a habitat. Which relationship?
Answer
**Mutualism** — both the human and the bacteria benefit.
Question
Legume roots + nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules — which relationship?
Answer
**Mutualism** — the plant gains usable nitrogen and the bacteria gain sugars and a habitat.
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Full study notes for Interspecific relationships
Topic 2.10 hub
Ecological niches
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Biology exam skills
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