What are three possible long-term consequences of two species occupying the same niche?
The species that is being excluded from the niche can either adapt in the long term to occupy another similar niche, migrate to a new area, or it can die out.
Why is it that two species cannot occupy the same niche for an extended period of time?
Two species occupying the same niche will be competing for the same food resource. Since the resource is limited, the stronger species will have more access to the food resource and will drive the other species to exclusion from that niche.
Explain how parasitism differs from commensalism.
Parasitism and commensalism both benefit one organism, but in parasitism the second organism is affected while in commensalism it is not.
What is the difference between commensalism and mutualism?
In commensalism one of the organisms benefits while the other receives no benefit but is unharmed. In mutualism, both organisms benefit.
What are three reasons that organisms interact?
Possible answers include mating, competition for food resources, defense, and assertion of dominance.
It is beneficial for plants to have their seeds dispersed to reduce competition. Explain how a bird eating fruit is an example of mutualism.
The birds benefit from eating the fruit and the plant benefits by having its seeds dispersed.
Did you find these answers helpful?