BIO326 : Predation and Competition

One can conceptualize competition as occurring horizonatally on the same resource level, while predation takes place vertically between different resource levels.

Competition and predation comprise environmental pressures on the interacting populations. The coexistence of populations under competition and predation indicates that these populations have accomodated themselves to each other's presence and have evolved ways to survive in spite of the pressures. In other words, they have coevolved.

In this section, we will see how competition and predation both hinder and benefit populations and look at evidence for coevolution.

• Competition
• Predation
• Coevolution

After completing this module, you should be able to:

• Describe competition and predation and their effects on interacting populations
• Differentiate coevolution from other forms of population interactions
• Use models of competition and predation to predict the outcomes of population interactions
• Discuss competition and predation as processes which "regulate" populations
• Explain the dangers of exotic, invasive, and weedy species to native organisms
• Identify organisms in nature which are potential competitors

To complete this module, you should:

• Read the indicated pages of the textbook, The Economy of Nature by Robert E. Ricklefs.
• Open and read the hyper-text lessons for each topic in the unit, including the links in the body of each lesson.
• Submit assignments by the dates indicated on their respective pages.