How do you read a competitive dominance hierarchy?
How do you read a competitive dominance hierarchy?
When looking at competitive rank within a competitive dominance hierarchy, arrows pointing from one species to another indicate a species that is competitively weaker (arrows coming from) than the more dominant species (arrows going to).
Are keystone species competitively dominant?
Sensu Paine, a keystone species has a very limited function in an ecosystem: by selective predation on competitively dominant prey species, the keystone species has the potential to maintain high species diversity within the functional groups of the prey community.
What are the essential characteristic of a keystone species?
One of the defining characteristics of a keystone species is that it fills a critical ecological role that no other species can. Without its keystone species, an entire ecosystem would radically change—or cease to exist altogether.
What do acorn barnacles eat?
plankton
After they attach and build their little houses, acorn barnacles filter feed small plankton and other particles from the water using their modified legs.
Are mussels mobile as adults?
Freshwater mussels are more mobile, using their powerful foot to move along the substrate and bury themselves. Freshwater mussels are also known for their longevity. Some species are known to live for over 100 years. Although some marine clams are thought to surpass the century mark, marine mussel likely do not.
What is an example of a dominant species?
Due to their height, they not only affect the vegetation of others but also cause the survival of many animals which depend on them. In the Northern forest, conifers including larch, spruce, and fir are specific examples of dominant species.
Are barnacles stationary or mobile?
Barnacles are crustacean arthropods, which means they are distantly related to such animals as crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. However, unlike their mobile cousins, barnacles have adopted a sessile existence.
Can an ecosystem survive without keystone species?
Role of Keystone Species in an Ecosystem A keystone species helps define an entire ecosystem. Without its keystone species, the ecosystem would be dramatically different or cease to exist altogether.
What is the difference between keystone species and exotic species?
Keystone species maintain biodiversity; their removal can greatly alter the dynamics within the community. Invasive species are non-native organisms introduced into an area that may be better competitors and reproduce faster than native species; they tend to upset the natural balance.