Types of Symbiosis

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different species that live together, often interacting in ways that benefit one or both of them.

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 symbiotic relationship where both species benefit from the interaction.

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

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is orchids growing on trees; the orchids benefit from sunlight while the trees are unaffected.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tick living on a dog, where the tick feeds on the dog's blood.

Front

What is the role of a parasite in a parasitic relationship?

Back

In a parasitic relationship, the parasite is the organism that benefits by harming the host.

Front

What is the role of a host in a parasitic relationship?

Back

In a parasitic relationship, the host is the organism that is harmed by the parasite.