1. Interspecific Competition Superior and inferior competitor Rates of reproduction Rates of growth Tolerance to limiting factors Direct competition

2. Mechanisms for superior competition Consumption Preemption Overgrowth Chemical interactions (allelopathy) Territoriality Encounter competition

3. Competitive Exclusion Eastern cottontail New England cottontail

4. Coexistence of Groton rodents

5. How can six species of salamander coexist on Groton School lands?

6. Coexistence Resource Partitioning Resource-based models Spatially based models Temporal Models Changes over time (long-term) Low levels of competition allow for extended persistence Limiting Factor Models Predation Disease Parasitism

7. Competition and Niche Fundamental Niche Realized Niche Resource Partitioning –Spatial –Resource Selection –Timing?

8. Spatial heterogeneity and variation Environmental Gradients Disturbance Soil/bedrock Aspect/topography

9. Temporal Variation Parameters that vary predictably over time –Temperature –Moisture –Seed and nut production –Prey population cycles Response of the inferior competitor –Dispersal –Dormancy –Reduction in density

10. Predation and Herbivory

11. Competition and Evolution Short-term changes –Behavioral Long-term changes –Structural Character Displacement Behavioral plasticity

12. How do so many New England carnivores persist in a small area?

13. Full Circle Why are the invasive species so successful in this system? How do so many New England carnivores persist in a small area? How can six species of salamander coexist on Groton School lands?

14. Competition and Conservation Small Whorled Pogonia Isotria medeoloides