Mutualism

Symbiotic Relationships

Predation is one type of relationship. The animal that hunts in the predator and that animal hunted is the prey.

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Hunters can either cooperate to capture prey or compete against each other.​

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Predator-Prey

Symbiosis is another interaction when organisms of different populations interact to benefit the community. There are three types of symbiosis: mutualism, commensalism and parasitism.

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Symbiosis

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​In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms benefit from the interaction. The feeling is mutual. Both organisms are happy.

​​Mutualism

In a commensalistic relationship, one organism benefits and the other is not affected at all.

Commensalism

​In a parasitic relationship, one organism benefits and the other is harmed. This isn't predation, though. The harmed organism doesn't die. The harmed organism is called the host.

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Parasitism

Multiple Choice

The tick bird hitches a ride on the back of a bison. The bison doesn't know the bird is there.

• mutualism

• commensalism

• parasitism

• predator-prey

Multiple Choice

The clownfish keeps the anemone's predators away with special cells that send out an electric shock. The anemone gives the clownfish a safe home.

• mutualism

• commensalism

• parasitism

• predator-prey

Multiple Choice

The epiphytes are plants that grow on other trees. The epiphytes benefit from being off of the ground because they get more sunlight. The tree isn't affected by the epiphyte.

• mutualism

• commensalism

• parasitism

• predator-prey

Multiple Choice

Barnacles attach themselves to whales. Not only do the barnacles get protection from predators, but they get a free meal. As the whales swim and consume plankton, the barnacles eat the plankton that swims by. The whales don't notice the freeloaders.

• mutualism

• commensalism

• parasitism

• predator-prey

Multiple Choice

Warthogs lie down when mongoose are near. The mongoose crawl on top of the warthogs and inspect the fur for ticks. The mongoose devour any tick they find. The warthogs enjoy this immensely!

• mutualism

• commensalism

• parasitism

• predator-prey