Question

Inter-specific interactions have evolved over many generations and been preferred by natural selection that is why these interactions continue today. Discuss this statement with reference to at least five (5) types of inter-specific interactions using relevant species examples.

Answer 1

Interspecific interaction is the interaction between species in an ecosystem. Which can be positive, negative or even neutral.

They are competition, Predation, mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Competition:

Organism of two species use the same limited resource and have the negative impact on each other.

eg: Lion and cheeta of African savanna competes for the prey antelope.

Predation:

A member of one species predator, attacks and take them the 'prey'. Here the predator gets benifited and prey have negative impact.

eg: predator lion attack zeebra(prey)

Mutualism:

Close association between two species in which both are benifited.

eg: clown fish lives in the tentacle of sea anemon

Commensalism:

A long term close association between two species in which one get benifited and other is uneffected.

eg:These birds live near cattle because when the cattle graze, their movements stir up insects.

Parasitiam:

A long term close association between species in which one get benifited and other get harmed.

eg: ticks on dogs.