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 of the species.

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What is mutualism?

Back

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

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

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

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

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

Front

What is predation?

Back

Predation is a biological interaction where one organism (the predator) kills and eats another organism (the prey).

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is a bee pollinating a flower while obtaining nectar.

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit while the whale is unaffected.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tapeworm living in the intestines of a mammal, benefiting at the host's expense.

Front

How does competition relate to symbiosis?

Back

Competition is not a type of symbiosis; it occurs when two species vie for the same resources, which can be detrimental to one or both.

Front

What is the difference between mutualism and commensalism?

Back

In mutualism, both species benefit; in commensalism, one species benefits while the other is unharmed.