Species Interactions

Species interactions are nothing new, it has been happening for centuries, in fact to the extent that animal species have undergone changes. This article will explore some of the different interactions and possible consequences. Species interactions pdf will help you understand these interactions. Species interactions are the responses that an individual of a particular species has toward another species, whether an Individual of the same species or an individual of a different species. These interactions can be positive or negative and are dependent on several factors that include genotype, environment and selection bias. A good example of this is domestication which is basically when a given species has been selected to be different from its wild relatives over many generations through artificial means, like we see in dogs where dogs were selectively bred to become companion animals rather than hunting dogs.

What is Species Interaction?

Species Interactions is a term that is defined as the effect on the individual of their environment. This can be seen through both natural and human-driven interactions.

We know that species interactions are important because they provide many benefits to the individual, society and our planet. Species interactions will highlight these advantages. A species interaction can be defined as a response that an individual in a certain species has toward another individual of another species. The interaction can be positive or negative and is dependent on several factors that include genotype, environment and selection bias. A good example of this is domestication which is basically when a given species has been selected to be different from its wild relatives over many generations through artificial means, like we see in dogs where dogs were selectively bred to become companion animals rather than hunting dogs.

Types of Species Interaction:

Mutualism: Species interactions can lead to the formation of mutual relationships called Mutualism, which is commonly seen between bacteria and algae. In these interactions the altruistic bacteria act as a resource to the algae. The bacterial species contains a substance called bacteriocin which is an enzyme that inhibits the growth of other bacterial species and instead makes the bacteriocin producer grow.

This interaction only happens in a few situations, for example when there are very few other species around or when there are no other detrimental organisms nearby which would compete for growth nutrients with the bacteriocin producing species.

Commensalism:

Commensalism is an interaction between two species where neither party benefits directly but both do benefit indirectly. In commensalistic interactions the bacteria usually thrive and the algae cannot. The bacteria often exhibit bacteriocin which can inhibit the growth of algal species. This is the mutualism between the bacteria and the algae.

Competition:

Competition can be defined as two species competing for resources. This competition can be seen in two ways, competitive interactions and non-competitive interactions. Competitive interactions may lead to antagonism or where one species will try to kill off or out-compete other species through aggression, defence or resource exploitation.

Commensalism:

In competitive interactions the organisms do not directly interact with each other, instead a third party serves as a resource. In these cases it is most common that the third party is a plant. For example parasitic plants will consume all available resources through their roots and then have direct competition with other plants by using resources which are often limited and highly sought after. This results in fewer resources for other non-parasitic plants to grow meaning that in competition, parasitic plants are better able to grow and reproduce at a greater rate than non-parasitic ones.

Predation:

Predation is defined as the interaction between a predator and its prey. This can be a or another organism or animal. Predators are always interested in resources that can be used to increase their own fitness, therefore predation can be a form of competition or a species interaction if it has negative effects for the prey.

In a competitive interaction the predatory organism does not have to kill off the prey in order to obtain resources from it, this is because there is another species that takes advantage of that resource and benefits from using those resources itself. For example aquatic insects are often eaten by fish.

Challenges arising from Species Interaction:

One big challenge of species interaction is that it can bring about negative effects.

One big challenge of species interactions is that individuals can eat others. This links to the concept of antagonistic species interaction in which an individual’s goal is to eat another individual and vice versa.

Another big challenge is that some individuals can be a threat to others because they can spread diseases like the flu, aids or even Ebola.

Possible Solutions for Species Interactions:

One possible solution for these challenges is that we avoid getting into these kinds of interactions in the first place; just like when we try to avoid traffic when driving a car. Another possible solution is that we might avoid them by spreading awareness about these diseases and how to prevent them, like when we teach kids about washing hands (Hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent many diseases).

Conclusion:

Species interactions are important to study since they provide a lot of benefits. By studying species interactions we can understand more about nature and its interactions. In addition, by knowing about species interactions we are able to study the factors that influence them as well as identify potential outcomes on different factors. One of such outcomes is when an individual’s goal is to eat another individual and vice versa. These beneficial relationships can be beneficial for both parties, it shows that species interaction pdf will be useful in guiding us in developing future plans of action. Species interaction also allows for exchange and sharing; this brings about benefits to both individuals involved as well as their environment.