Symbiotic Relationships

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

Define mutualism.

Back

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

Front

What is 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, which is harmed.

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is the relationship between clownfish and sea anemones, where clownfish get protection and anemones get food.

Front

Provide an example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is cattle egrets foraging among cattle, where egrets benefit from food while cattle are unaffected.

Front

What is competition in ecological terms?

Back

Competition occurs when two or more organisms vie for the same resources, such as food, space, or mates.

Front

Explain the relationship between a tapeworm and its host.

Back

The relationship between a tapeworm and a dog is an example of parasitism, where the tapeworm benefits and the dog is harmed.

Front

What happens in a mutualistic relationship?

Back

In a mutualistic relationship, both species involved gain benefits, such as food, shelter, or protection.

Front

Describe a scenario of commensalism in nature.

Back

An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; barnacles benefit from being carried to food sources while the whale is unaffected.