As you study two closely related predatory insect species, the two-spot and the three-spot avenger beetles, you notice that each species seeks prey at dawn in areas without the other species. However, where their ranges overlap, the two-spot avenger beetle hunts at night and the three-spot hunts in the morning. When you bring them into the laboratory and isolate the two different species, you discover that the offspring of both species are found to be nocturnal. You have discovered an example of

Community ecology is a branch of ecology that studies the factors that affect biodiversity and community structure. It examines the interactions between organisms in a habitat, including the distribution, structure, abundance, and interactions between coexisting populations.  Community ecology seeks to answer questions such as: How does the depth of a lake affect the complexity of the community living within it? Why do some places have more species than others? Is there competition in nature?   Community ecology focuses on interactions between populations as determined by specific... Show more

Community ecology is a branch of ecology that studies the factors that affect biodiversity and community structure. It examines the interactions between organisms in a habitat, including the distribution, structure, abundance, and interactions between coexisting populations. 

Community ecology seeks to answer questions such as:
How does the depth of a lake affect the complexity of the community living within it?
Why do some places have more species than others?
Is there competition in nature?  

Community ecology focuses on interactions between populations as determined by specific genotypic and phenotypic characteristics. These interactions include predation, herbivory, parasitism, detritivory, mutualism, and commensalism. 
Community ecology has a long history of studying the stability of ecological systems. Species interactions underlie ecosystem functions such as nutrient cycling and influence ecosystem structure.

Related Test: Basic Biology Practice Test: Population Ecology

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