Download Chapter 48 - Community Ecology

Chapter 54 - Community Ecology - Homework
1. Explain the differences between competition, predation, parasitism, mutualism, and
commensalism and given an example of each.
2. Describe the differences between Batesian and Müllerian mimicry.
3. Search for information on the relationship between Monarch and Viceroy butterflies. Is this a
case of Batesian or Müllerian mimicry? Justify your reasoning.
4. Explain the Competitive Exclusion Principle and how it relates to the concept of the
ecological niche.
5. Discuss if the Competitive Exclusion Principle explains the spacing of fast food restaurants on
the “strip” in most towns.
6. According to the principle of competitive exclusion, what outcome is expected when two
species (or businesses) with identical niches compete for a resource? Why?
7. Describe what is meant by a “foundation” species and identify one example.
8. Describe what can happen when a keystone species is removed from a community. Identify an
example of a situation where this has happened.
9. Discuss the differences between Primary and Secondary Succession.
10. Choose an example of primary succession (such as the sand dunes on Lake Michigan) and
describe the changes in the plant communities and soil from the beginning community to the
climax community.
11. Discuss if “Smokey the Bear” is a good ecological concept for all communities (that is, always
prevent all fires and never allow burning).
12. Most prairies experience regular fires every few years. Speculate on what might happen if the
city prohibits the burning of the tall prairie grasses in the area for 25 years.