ECOLOGY NOTES Words 6-9
6. COEXISTENCE- When organisms live together in the same habitat without harming or helping one another
EXAMPLES OF COEXISTENCE: A snake and a turtle A chipmunk and a toad
Would a chipmunk and a squirrel be an example of coexistence? No, they would compete for the same food
7. LIMITING FACTOR- -A condition that interferes with the growth or survival of an organism -A lack of food, water, shelter and space
EXAMPLES OF LIMITNG FACTOR: Too many fish in a fish tank (lack of space) 3 owls and only 1 mouse (lack of food)
8. COMPETITION- A form of conflict that may arise when organisms occupy a similar niche or need the same food, water, or space Competition can take place between animals of the same species or different species
EXAMPLES OF COMPETITION: The owls in the last picture fighting with each other for the mouse Chipmunks and squirrels fighting over seeds
9. COOPERATION- -Working together to help each other survive - Cooperation takes place among animals of the same species only
Examples of cooperation: Ants are animals that cooperate to build nests, find food, take care of their young, and protect each other
More examples of cooperation: Whales help each other hunt by surrounding a school fish Can you think of some other ways animals cooperate?