Symbiosis Flashcard

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

Define mutualism.

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, which is harmed.

Front

Example of mutualism: Beavers and forest animals.

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Beavers build dams that create habitats for various forest animals, benefiting both parties.

Front

Example of mutualism: Oxpecker and zebra.

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The oxpecker bird eats parasites off the zebra, benefiting from food while the zebra gets rid of harmful insects.

Front

Example of commensalism: Epiphytes and trees.

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Epiphytes grow on trees to access sunlight without harming the tree.

Front

Example of parasitism: Ticks and mammals.

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Ticks feed on the blood of mammals, benefiting themselves while harming the host.

Front

What is an example of a mutualistic relationship in nature?

Back

Bees pollinating flowers is an example of mutualism; bees get food while flowers reproduce.