Ecological Interactions and Environmental Factors
Ecological Interactions
- Competition: Chipmunks and squirrels
- Predation: Owls and mice
- Mutualism: Bees and tulips
- Commensalism: Robins and oak trees
- Parasitism: Mosquitoes and dogs
Application: Prairie Ponds and Duck Populations
a) An abiotic factor that influences the number of prairie ponds is precipitation (rain and snowfall). In wet years, increased water collection allows more ponds to form and persist. Conversely, during droughts, ponds shrink or dry up due to reduced water input and higher evaporation rates, causing the number of ponds to fluctuate annually.
b) The hunter’s hypothesis states that if prairie ponds are protected and their numbers increase, the duck population will rise because ducks rely on ponds for food, shelter, and breeding.... Continue reading "Ecological Interactions and Environmental Factors" »
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