Symbiosis and interactions 2023- HONORS BIO

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

Symbiosis is a close ecological relationship between two or more different species, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to one or both parties.

Front

What are the three main types of symbiotic relationships?

Back

The three main types of symbiotic relationships are mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Front

Define mutualism and provide an example.

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. An example is bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar.

Front

Define commensalism and provide an example.

Back

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed. An example is barnacles attaching to a whale.

Front

Define parasitism and provide an example.

Back

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other. An example is a tapeworm living in the intestines of a host.

Front

What is a pathogen?

Back

A pathogen is an organism that causes disease, often functioning as a parasite.

Front

What is bioaccumulation?

Back

Bioaccumulation is the process by which organisms accumulate toxic substances in their bodies, often occurring in higher concentrations at higher trophic levels.

Front

What is a food web?

Back

A food web is a complex network of feeding relationships among various organisms in an ecosystem.

Front

What role do tertiary consumers play in a food web?

Back

Tertiary consumers are predators that eat secondary consumers and are typically at the top of the food chain.

Front

How do chemical pollutants affect food webs?

Back

Chemical pollutants can accumulate in organisms, leading to higher concentrations in top predators, which can affect their health and the health of the ecosystem.