Symbiosis

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different species, which can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to one or both parties.

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while 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 different feeding areas, 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, causing harm.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tapeworm living in the intestines of a mammal, where it absorbs nutrients at the host's expense.

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 bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar; both the bees and the flowers benefit.

Front

What is the role of a host in parasitism?

Back

In parasitism, the host is the organism that is harmed and provides resources for the parasite.

Front

What is the difference between mutualism and commensalism?

Back

In mutualism, both organisms benefit, while in commensalism, one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.

Front

What is an ecological niche?

Back

An ecological niche is the role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.