23. 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 symbiotic relationship where both organisms 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 organism 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 food, while the whale is unaffected.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tick feeding on a dog; the tick benefits by getting food, while the dog suffers.

Front

What are limiting factors in an ecosystem?

Back

Limiting factors are resources that restrict the growth, abundance, or distribution of an organism or a population.

Front

List some common limiting factors.

Back

Common limiting factors include food, water, sunlight, shelter, and space.