5.1 Organism Interactions

Front

What is Parasitism?

Back

A relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host), often harming it.

Front

What happens to prey numbers when predator numbers decrease?

Back

Prey numbers increase because fewer of them are being consumed.

Front

What is a 'host' in ecological terms?

Back

An organism that harbors a parasitic, mutualistic, or commensalist guest.

Front

What are interspecific interactions?

Back

Interactions between two or more different species.

Front

What is Mutualism?

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is Commensalism?

Back

A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

What is Symbiosis?

Back

A general term for a close interaction between two different species.

Front

What is Predation?

Back

An interaction where one organism (the predator) kills and eats another organism (the prey).

Front

What is Competition in ecology?

Back

A relationship where two or more organisms vie for the same resources, such as food, space, or mates.

Front

Can commensalistic relationships be mutualistic or parasitic?

Back

Yes, many apparent commensalistic relationships can turn out to be slightly mutualistic or slightly parasitic upon closer examination.