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XES: CHAPTER 7 Study Guide –
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY: STRUCTURE, SPECIES INTERACTIONS, SUCCESSION, AND SUSTAINABILITY
“If all mankind were to disappear, the world
would regenerate back to the rich state of
equilibrium that existed ten thousand years
ago. If insects were to vanish, the
environment would collapse into chaos.”
~Edward O. Wilson
7-1 Community Structure and Species Diversity
1. Describe the four features of community structure.
Physical
appearance
Species diversity or
richness
Species
abundance
Niche structure
2. What is meant by “vegetation patches” when referring to large terrestrial communities,
ecosystems, and biomes?
3. What is a definition for “edge effects”?
4. What is a positive to “edges”?
5. What is a negative to “edges”?
6. List the four most species-rich areas of the world.
7. What three factors affect species diversity?
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XES: CHAPTER 7 Study Guide –
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY: STRUCTURE, SPECIES INTERACTIONS, SUCCESSION, AND SUSTAINABILITY
7-2 General Types of Species
1. Define and give an example of the four ecological roles species play in an ecosystem.
Role
Definition
Example
Native
Species
Nonnative
Species
Indicator
Species
Keystone
Species
2. Describe how non-native species can cause problems. Give examples.
3. Why are amphibians vanishing? What does this indicate in the environment?
4. Discuss habitat modifications by a keystone species.
5. What is meant by a “top predator”?
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XES: CHAPTER 7 Study Guide –
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY: STRUCTURE, SPECIES INTERACTIONS, SUCCESSION, AND SUSTAINABILITY
7-3 Species interactions: Competition and Predation
1. What are the five basic types of interactions between species?
2. What is the main difference between intraspecific and interspecific competition?
3. Describe why competition occurs. Define the terms niche and habitat in your understanding of
competition.
4. Examine the graph in the space below. Describe how resource partitioning can minimize
competition. Recall the discussion of the Tragedy of the Commons.
5. Give two examples of resource partitioning that are described in the book or powerpoint.
6. Describe a predator-prey relationship.
7. Give two examples of predator-prey relationships.
8. Describe the defense and weapons used to survive and give an example of an organism that uses
this technique.
Predator Weapons
Speed
Stealth
Claw/Fang
Prey Defense Characteristics
Camouflage
Chemical
Warfare
Warming
Coloration
Mimicry
Behavioral
strategies
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XES: CHAPTER 7 Study Guide –
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY: STRUCTURE, SPECIES INTERACTIONS, SUCCESSION, AND SUSTAINABILITY
7-4 Species Interactions: Symbiosis - Parasitism, Mutualism, and Commensalism
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Species
Interactions
Definition
Physical Difference Between
the Host and
Parasite/Commensal/Mutual
2 Examples
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XES: CHAPTER 7 Study Guide –
COMMUNITY ECOLOGY: STRUCTURE, SPECIES INTERACTIONS, SUCCESSION, AND SUSTAINABILITY
7-5 Ecological Succession: Communities in Transition
1. What is ecological succession?
2. Describe the difference between primary and secondary succession.
Primary Succession
Secondary Succession
Definition
Areas where
you would find
this type of
succession
Average time
to occur
Condition of
soil at
beginning of
succession
3. Disturbances in an ecosystem’s environment can cause an ecological succession to revert. Give
several examples of disturbances caused by nature and several caused by humans.
4. An ecological succession’s progress cannot be predicted. Describe why.
7-6 Ecological Stability and Sustainability
5. How is stability maintained in an ecosystem?
6. What three aspects influence stability and sustainability in an ecosystem?
7. What is the precautionary principle, and why do so many scientists find it a useful strategy for
dealing with some of the environmental problems we face?