Symbiotic Relationships

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What is symbiosis?

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Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different species, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to one or both parties.

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Define mutualism.

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Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

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What is commensalism?

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Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

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Define parasitism.

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Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host), causing harm.

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What is endoparasitism?

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Endoparasitism is a type of parasitism where the parasite lives inside the host's body.

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What is ectoparasitism?

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Ectoparasitism is a type of parasitism where the parasite lives on the outside of the host's body.

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Example of mutualism: Red-billed oxpeckers and impala.

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Red-billed oxpeckers feed on parasites found on impala, benefiting both species.

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Example of commensalism: Cattle egrets and cattle.

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Cattle egrets benefit from feeding on insects stirred up by cattle, while the cattle are unaffected.

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Example of parasitism: Mistletoe and spruce tree.

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Mistletoe extracts nutrients from the spruce tree, harming it in the process.

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What is competition in ecology?

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Competition occurs when two or more species compete for the same resources, such as food, space, or light.