Symbiotic Relationship

Front

What is a symbiotic relationship?

Back

A close interaction between two different species, which can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to one or both parties.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

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

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

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

Front

Explain mutualism.

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

What is competition in ecology?

Back

A relationship where two or more organisms of the same or different species vie for the same resource, such as food, space, or mates.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

A cuckoo bird laying its eggs in a warbler's nest, leading the warbler to raise the cuckoo's chick.

Front

Provide an example of commensalism.

Back

Barnacles attaching to whales; barnacles benefit by getting a place to live, while whales are unaffected.

Front

What is the difference between mutualism and commensalism?

Back

In mutualism, both species benefit; in commensalism, one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

Describe a scenario of mutualism.

Back

Bees pollinating flowers; bees get food (nectar) while flowers get pollinated.

Front

What is the role of competition in ecosystems?

Back

It helps regulate population sizes and can lead to natural selection.