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4.1.1: Trophic Interactions

  • Page ID
    70803
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    Trophic interactions occur when one organism feeds on another. The three main types of trophic interactions are predation (figure \(\PageIndex{a}\)), herbivory, or parasitism. During these interactions, one species benefits by gaining food at the expense of the other, which either dies or loses nutrients, tissues, or organs (such as leaves). Trophic interactions involve the flow of energy, and the trophic interactions in a community can be represented by food chains and food webs.

    A close-up view of a hawk with a dead vole in its beak

    Figure \(\PageIndex{a}\): A hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) eats a vole (Microtus californicus), exemplifying predation, a common trophic interaction. Image by Jrockley (public domain).

    Attribution

    Melissa Ha (CC-BY-NC)


    This page titled 4.1.1: Trophic Interactions is shared under a CC BY-NC license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Melissa Ha and Rachel Schleiger (ASCCC Open Educational Resources Initiative) .

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