Interactions among species, including competition, predation, mutualism, and succession.
Test your knowledge with these top questions!
Why did dark peppered moths gain a survival advantage in soot-covered British woodlands?
When pollution declined, lighter moths regained an advantage as tree surfaces became cleaner.
During forest succession, how do birds help plants reach new ground after eating fruit?
Some seeds travel inside birds and land in droppings far from the parent plant.
Why can dividing a forest into small patches harm species that need deep forest?
A narrow forest strip may have trees throughout but little habitat beyond the reach of edge conditions.
What is an ecotone?
An ecotone can be gradual, like grassland blending into woodland, rather than a sharp line.
What is the ability to blend into the surroundings to avoid being seen called?
Camouflage helps hunters approach prey as well as helping prey escape notice.
A flounder can change its skin pattern to match which surroundings?
A flounder lies on one side, leaving its upward-facing side to carry the pattern that hides it from predators above.
What commonly makes a forest edge drier than the forest interior?
Dryer edges can make moisture-loving plants vulnerable even when the trees around them remain standing.
What can repeated mowing prevent during succession in an abandoned field?
Cutting woody seedlings repeatedly can maintain open grassland where woodland might otherwise develop.
In an abandoned farm field, which plants usually establish before shrubs and trees?
Many early arrivals grow quickly and scatter abundant seeds, helping them colonize open ground.
Where do ecological edge effects occur?
A forest beside a meadow can support species from both habitats, plus species that favor the boundary.