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

What is mutualism?

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction (+,+).

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits and the other is unaffected (+,0).

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other (+,-).

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is the relationship between bees and flowers, where bees get nectar and flowers get pollinated.

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tapeworm living in the intestines of a mammal, benefiting by absorbing nutrients while harming the host.

Front

How do bacteria in our intestines help us?

Back

Bacteria in our intestines help us digest certain kinds of foods and produce vitamins.

Front

What might happen if we didn't have bacteria in our intestines?

Back

We might not be able to digest certain kinds of foods.