Question
Species Relationships What relationships other than predation does your species have with other species. Provide a de finition and explanation of how this relationship applies to your species i.e. Mutualism . Commensalism mountain beavers
Solution
4.3
(336 Votes)
Alena
Master ยท Tutor for 5 years
Answer
Mountain beavers ( *Aplodontia rufa* ) engage in several species relationships beyond predation. While they are often described as solitary, their interactions with other species create a complex web of ecological connections. Here are a few examples:**1. Commensalism:*** **Definition:** Commensalism is a relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.* **Mountain Beaver Example:** Mountain beavers create extensive burrow systems. These burrows can inadvertently provide shelter and habitat for other species like amphibians (salamanders, frogs), reptiles (snakes, lizards), and even some small mammals (shrews, voles). The mountain beaver doesn't directly benefit or suffer from the presence of these other animals, assuming the populations don't become excessively large and begin to compete for resources. The other species, however, gain a safe haven.**2. Amensalism (A form of competition):*** **Definition:** Amensalism is a relationship where one species is harmed while the other is unaffected.* **Mountain Beaver Example:** Mountain beavers are herbivores with a large appetite for specific plants. Their foraging activities can significantly alter local plant communities. This can negatively impact other herbivores that rely on the same plants but are less effective competitors. The mountain beaver isn't necessarily *trying* to harm these other species, but its actions have a detrimental effect.**3. Parasitism:*** **Definition:** Parasitism is a relationship where one species (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other species (the host).* **Mountain Beaver Example:** Mountain beavers are host to various parasites, including ticks, fleas, mites, and internal parasites like nematodes and tapeworms. These parasites derive nourishment or other benefits from the mountain beaver, often causing harm or discomfort in the process.**4. Mutualism (Potentially, but less documented):*** **Definition:** Mutualism is a relationship where both species benefit.* **Mountain Beaver Example:** While not extensively studied, there's potential for mutualistic relationships. For example, the fungi that decompose the vast amounts of vegetation stored in mountain beaver caches might benefit from the readily available food source. In turn, the decomposition process could enrich the soil around the burrows, potentially benefiting the plants the mountain beaver consumes. More research is needed to confirm such interactions.It's important to remember that these relationships are dynamic and can change depending on environmental conditions and the specific species involved. Further research into the ecology of mountain beavers will undoubtedly reveal more intricate details about their interactions with other species.