Final answer:
Protocooperation, mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism are different types of species interactions. Tolerance is the ability of an organism to survive in the presence of other organisms. Interactions among species in a community can influence community composition. Predation can regulate population sizes, and the removal of a keystone predator can have cascading effects on an ecosystem.
Step-by-step explanation:
Protocooperation:
Protocooperation refers to a type of interaction between species that benefits both parties but is not necessary for their survival. An example of protocooperation is the relationship between oxpeckers and large mammals in savannah ecosystems. The oxpeckers feed on parasites found on the mammals, which benefits the mammals by preventing the parasites from causing harm.
Mutualism:
Mutualism is a type of interaction between species in which both parties benefit. A classic example of mutualism is the relationship between bees and flowering plants. The bees collect nectar from the plants for food, while also helping to pollinate the plants.
Commensalism:
Commensalism is a type of interaction between species in which one party benefits while the other is not significantly affected. An example of commensalism is the relationship between barnacles and whales. The barnacles attach themselves to the whale's skin, gaining a stable surface to live on, while the whale is not harmed or benefited by this interaction.
Parasitism:
Parasitism is a type of interaction between species in which one party benefits while the other is harmed. A common example of parasitism is the relationship between fleas and dogs. The fleas feed on the blood of the dog, causing irritation and potential health problems for the dog.
Tolerance:
Tolerance refers to the ability of an organism to survive and reproduce in the presence of other organisms. An example of tolerance is the coexistence of different species of plants in a forest. Each plant has its own tolerance for light, nutrients, and other factors, allowing them to occupy different ecological niches and coexist without directly interacting.
Interactions among species in a community:
Interactions among species in a community can influence the composition and structure of the community. Positive interactions, such as mutualism, can lead to the formation of symbiotic relationships and increased biodiversity. Negative interactions, such as competition or predation, can limit the abundance or distribution of certain species. For example, competition between two species of birds for the same food source can result in one species outcompeting the other and limiting its population size.
Predation and community:
Predation is a type of interaction where one organism, the predator, captures and consumes another organism, the prey. Predation can influence the community by regulating the population size of both the predator and prey species. For example, predation by wolves on deer can prevent the deer population from reaching excessively high numbers and damaging the ecosystem through overgrazing.
Removal of keystone predator:
When a keystone predator is removed from a community, it can have significant effects on the structure and function of the ecosystem. Without the keystone predator, the prey population may increase unchecked, leading to overgrazing or overconsumption of other resources. This can result in changes to the abundance and distribution of other species in the community, leading to a cascade of ecological effects.