Symbiotic relationships

Remora are small fish with a sucker-like organ that allows them to attach themselves to larger animals like a shark. By doing this, the remora is able to gain protection from the presence of the shark while also traveling long distances more quickly. The remora is light enough to be carried with little effort, and the remora does no damage to shark. This relationship demonstrates which of the following?

• parasitism

• mutualism

• commensalism

• Predation

Gobies are a type of small fish that live in small burrows. Sometimes these burrows are created and maintained by burrowing shrimp. The goby shares the burrow with the shrimp and uses it to protect its eggs. The shrimp has poor eyesight, but monitors the behavior of the goby with its antennae. When it feels the shrimp retreat into the burrow away from danger it quickly follows. This relationship demonstrates which of the following?

• parasitism

• mutualism

• commensalism

• Predation

In an ecosystem, members of the lizards are observed eating members of the insect population. In this same ecosystem, birds are also observed using insects as a food source. The relationship between lizards and birds would best be described as –

• parasitism

• mutualism

• competition

• Predation

The introduction of a non-native species into an ecosystem can result in serious ecological problems. This is often because the non-native species –

• are always quicker to adapt to changes

• causes mutations in current populations

• lacks natural predators in the ecosystem

• provides additional genetic diversity

What factor would cause animals of the same species to begin competing with one another?

• the introduction of a new food source

• the presence of decomposers

• an increase in precipitation

• a limited supply of resources

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Different species are most likely to compete for resources in an ecosystem if both species attempt to –

• find different food sources.

• occupy the same niche.

• live in different habitats.

• successfully reproduce.

In a certain ecosystem, different species of birds are found living in the same tree and sharing the same food source. However, it is observed that each population stays within a specific region of the tree: at the bottom, in the middle or at the top. By occupying different habitats, these birds are able to-

• develop parasites

• avoid predation

• reduce competition

• promote gene flow

When two different species attempt to occupy the same niche, one of the species will eventually decline in number due to –

• competition for the same resources

• one of the species eating the other

• mating between the two species

• an increase in mutualistic behavior

Animals of the same species would most likely compete over a limited amount of -

• Minerals

• oxygen gas

• mating

• sunlight

What level of organization describes the different species that interact in the missing area ?

? ----> Population -----> Community---->Ecosystem

• community

• organism

• ecosystem

• population