Ecological Relationships

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

A type of ecological relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

A type of ecological relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, often harming the host.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

A type of ecological relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is predation?

Back

An ecological relationship where one organism (the predator) kills and eats another organism (the prey).

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

Barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit from being transported to feeding areas, while the whale is unaffected.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

A tapeworm living in the intestines of a mammal; the tapeworm benefits by absorbing nutrients, while the host is harmed.

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

Bees pollinating flowers; bees get food from nectar, and flowers get pollinated.

Front

What is the difference between commensalism and mutualism?

Back

In commensalism, one organism benefits and the other is unaffected, while in mutualism, both organisms benefit.

Front

What role do predators play in an ecosystem?

Back

Predators help control the population of prey species, maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Front

How does parasitism affect the host organism?

Back

Parasitism can weaken the host, reduce its fitness, and in severe cases, lead to the host's death.