Symbiosis

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two 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.

Back

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

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, causing harm.

Front

Example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is a bee pollinating a flower; the bee gets food while the flower gets pollinated.

Front

Example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit from being carried to feeding areas, while the whale is not affected.

Front

Example of parasitism.

Back

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

Front

What is competition in ecology?

Back

Competition is an interaction between organisms or species in which both are harmed as they compete for limited resources.

Front

How does competition differ from symbiosis?

Back

Competition involves negative effects on both parties, while symbiosis can involve positive, negative, or neutral effects.