Question on populations and communities

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of a diagram related to populations and communities in an ecological context, specifically aimed at a grade 6 homework question. Participants explore definitions, interactions among populations, and the implications of the diagram presented.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that option B is incorrect because the four spiders could belong to the same species, and option D is also incorrect as it suggests 19 different species, which cannot be concluded from the diagram.
  • Another participant questions the definition of a community, stating it requires two or more populations interacting in a habitat.
  • A participant notes that the diagram does not provide information about interactions, suggesting that populations in the same area do not necessarily form a community without interaction.
  • There is a discussion about how to determine if a plant is part of the organisms' habitat, with one participant suggesting that if animals appear on the plant occasionally, it could be considered part of their habitat.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definitions and implications of populations and communities, with no consensus reached on whether the diagram indicates a community or the nature of the habitat.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of definitions and interactions in determining ecological relationships, indicating that the observations may lack sufficient information to draw definitive conclusions.

dioprem
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Homework Statement



http://i41.tinypic.com/1079dsk.jpg
This is the given question for a grade 6 student during his exams. I was asked to provide an answer for him but I have a few doubts.

Homework Equations


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The Attempt at a Solution



I know that option B is definitely wrong as the 4 spiders could easily be of the same species. Similarly option D is wrong as 19 populations of animals would imply 19 different species of animals and that cannot be concluded from the diagram. That leaves only options (1) and (3) as the only possible correct answers. I understand why E is correct. However, I would have thought A and C would also be correct.
 
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Sorry, doc told me to not tilt my head.
 
Borek said:
Sorry, doc told me to not tilt my head.


Sorry didn't realize the photo was tilted. Will upload a new copy once I'm back home.
 
Sorry here is the straightened image.

http://imagizer.imageshack.us/v2/1024x768q90/18/bykn.jpg
 
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What is the definition of the community?
 
Borek said:
What is the definition of the community?

Its defined as 2 or more populations living together in the same habitat and interacting with each other as well as their surroundings.
 
Do the observation say anything about interactions?

Note: populations living in the same place don't create a community as long as their interactions don't shape the populations.
 
Borek said:
Do the observation say anything about interactions?

Note: populations living in the same place don't create a community as long as their interactions don't shape the populations.

Ah, I see. All the diagram shows is how many of each animal there is. Not if they interact with each other in any way. So there is no way to conclude if they form a community. But how would I conclude that the plant is a habitat of the organisms? Because it was mentioned that the observation was made over a period of time?
 
Again, it may be a matter of definition - but if animals appear on the plant now and then, it is definitely at least part of their habitat.
 

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