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

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

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

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

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

Front

Example of commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Example of mutualism.

Back

Lichens, which consist of a fungus and an alga; the fungus provides structure while the alga produces sugar.

Front

Example of parasitism.

Back

Tapeworms living in the intestines of animals; the tapeworm benefits by absorbing nutrients while harming the host.

Front

What is the role of the fungus in a lichen?

Back

The fungus provides structure and protection for the alga.

Front

What does the alga provide to the fungus in a lichen?

Back

The alga produces sugars through photosynthesis, which the fungus can use as food.

Front

How does commensalism differ from mutualism?

Back

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