Question

9. Under what conditions do foundation species coexist?

10. What mediates the strength and direction of foundation species interactions and how do these influence their role in structuring communities?

Answer 1

9. Foundation species play major role in structuring a community. It can be found in any trophic level in a food web. In the absence or lack of  competion,  foundation species can coexist, when they have with identical niches (i.e., ecological roles). They can be differentiate in their niches by consuming different foods, or using different parts of the environment.  Competion is less for food and other resources in species found in different areas as compared to those who live in similar areas. They cannot be coexist, when they are competing for the same resource.  One species is able to use resources more efficiently and reproduce more rapidly, than other and will lead over the other.