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 symbiosis?

Back

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

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

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

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

Commensalism is a type of symbiosis where one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

Parasitism is a type of symbiosis where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, which is harmed.

Front

Example of mutualism: Honey guide birds and badgers.

Back

Honey guide birds alert badgers to bee hives, benefiting both species.

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Example of commensalism: Hermit crabs and snails.

Back

Hermit crabs use abandoned snail shells for protection, benefiting the crabs while the snails are unaffected.

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Example of parasitism: Ticks and mammals.

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Ticks feed on the blood of mammals, benefiting themselves while harming the host.

Front

What happens in a mutualistic relationship?

Back

In a mutualistic relationship, both species gain advantages, such as food, protection, or other resources.

Front

What happens in a commensal relationship?

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In a commensal relationship, one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.