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 species benefit from the interaction.

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

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

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit by getting a ride to feeding areas, while the whale is unaffected.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tick feeding on a black bear; the tick benefits by getting food, while the bear is harmed.

Front

What is a host in a parasitic relationship?

Back

A host is the organism that is harmed and provides resources for the parasite.

Front

What is a parasite?

Back

A parasite is an organism that lives on or in a host and gets its food at the host's expense.