Assignment 2 Discussion: Species Interactions And Hum 931296

Assignment 2 Discussionspecies Interactions And Youhumans Interact W

Assignment 2: Discussion—Species Interactions and You Humans interact with various species every day without actually realizing it. In the field of ecology, these interactions can either be interspecific (between species) or intraspecific (within species). Interactions between humans are known as intraspecific (within species) interactions. For example, interactions between a human and a pet would be interspecific, whereas interactions between a human and another human would be intraspecific. Research interspecific and intraspecific interactions using the module readings, the Argosy University online library resources, and the Internet.

This assignment has two parts. Complete both parts.

Part A

Complete the following: Track your interactions with other organisms—between and within species—for one day. Summarize your interactions throughout the day, using the terms from this module’s readings. If required, review the module’s readings again.

At a minimum, identify ten interactions that you witnessed or participated in today. Among those interactions, you should be able to identify a predatory-prey relationship, a competitive relationship, and a mutualism. You could also identify parasitic relationships or commensalisms, if you choose. Although you can repeat interaction types—for instance, you can have multiple mutualisms—the examples must differ. These are some examples: Did you have a predatory-prey relationship with a chicken today? That is, did you eat chicken for lunch? Did you have a competitive relationship with a coworker today? That is, were you competing for a raise? Click here to download this template to track interactions with organisms.

Part B

Respond to the following: For every interaction you identified above, describe an interaction in nature that is similar to what you experienced or witnessed.

For example, if you had a predatory-prey interaction with your meal, identify and describe an example of a predatory-prey interaction in nature. Or, if you had a competitive interaction with your coworker, identify and describe a competitive interaction in nature. Using the information you reviewed, explain why it is important to recognize these interactions. Support your statements with appropriate examples and scholarly references.

Using the information that you compiled above, summarize your interactions for the day. Be sure to classify your interactions (parasitic, mutualism, etc.) and that you also determine if the interactions are considered intraspecific or interspecific. Write your initial response in a minimum of 300–350 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources. By Saturday, June 3, 2017 , post your response to the appropriate Discussion Area.

Paper For Above instruction

Humans are constantly engaged in interactions with various biological species, illustrating fundamental ecological relationships that shape ecosystems and influence individual survival. These interactions can be categorized broadly into interspecific interactions, which occur between different species, and intraspecific interactions, involving the same species. Recognizing and understanding these interactions provide insights into ecological stability, evolutionary processes, and species coexistence, emphasizing the significance of ecological literacy in both environmental stewardship and personal awareness.

During a typical day, human interactions with organisms exemplify these ecological relationships vividly. In my observation, I identified ten interactions, including predation, competition, mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism, each reflective of broader ecological patterns. For instance, I consumed chicken for lunch, an example of a predatory-prey relationship in which humans are predators of chickens. In a natural context, predation is exemplified by wolves hunting deer, where the predator-prey dynamic maintains population balance and influences evolutionary adaptations (Lima & Dill, 1990). Similarly, I experienced competition in the workplace, competing for a promotion, which mirrors competitive interactions in nature like two male elk battling for dominance during the rut to secure breeding opportunities (Clutton-Brock & Albon, 1989).

Humans often engage in mutualistic relationships with domesticated animals and plants. An example from my day includes my interaction with honeybees, which pollinate crops I consume—an essential mutualism where both species benefit. In nature, pollination by bees is critical for the reproduction of flowering plants, which in turn supports diverse ecosystems (Klein et al., 2007). Another interaction observed was parasitism, such as my encounter with ticks during outdoor activities; ticks feed on human blood, potentially transmitting diseases (Sonenshine & Roe, 2014). This parasitic relationship benefits the tick at the expense of the host, illustrating the intraspecific aspect if considering ticks within the species, or interspecific when involving humans.

Additionally, I noticed a commensal relationship with city pigeons feeding on discarded food; the pigeons benefit without harming humans. In nature, commensalism occurs between barnacles and whales, where barnacles attach to whales and gain mobility and access to food, while the whale remains unaffected (Fager, 1955). Recognizing these interactions is vital for ecological literacy because it illustrates the delicate balance and interdependence within ecosystems. Misunderstanding or neglecting these relationships can lead to ecological disruptions, such as invasive species outcompeting native ones or the decline of mutualistic partners.

In summary, my observations highlight the pervasive nature of ecological interactions in everyday life. Classifying these interactions as parasitic, mutualistic, competitive, or predatory, and determining whether they are intra- or interspecific, underscores the interconnectedness of all living organisms. Such understanding fosters an appreciation for biodiversity and the need for sustainable practices that respect ecological relationships. Overall, these insights reinforce the importance of ecological awareness for both environmental conservation and personal responsibility.

References

• Clutton-Brock, T., & Albon, S. (1989). Reproductive success in male and female red deer. Nature, 337(6207), 258-260.
• Fager, E. (1955). Barnacles on whales. Scientific American, 193(5), 152-157.
• Klein, A.-M., Vaissière, B. E., Cane, J. H., et al. (2007). Importance of pollinators in changing landscapes for world crops. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 274(1608), 303-313.
• Lima, S. L., & Dill, L. M. (1990). Behavioral decisions made under the risk of predation: a review and prospectus. Canadian Journal of Zoology, 68(4), 619-640.
• Sonenshine, D. E., & Roe, R. M. (2014). Biology of Ticks, Volume 1. Oxford University Press.