Species Interactions

1. Shrimp and Sea Anemone

•The shrimp is immune to the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone. By hiding in the sea anemone, the shrimp is protected from predators.

• Parasitism

• Predation

• Competition

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

2. Egrets and Cattle

•As they graze, cattle stir up insects which are eaten by the egrets.

• Parasitism

• Predation

• Competition

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

3. Tapeworm and Dog

•The tapeworm attaches to the intestinal wall of the dog and absorbs nutrients consumed by the dog.

• Parasitism

• Predation

• Competition

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

4. Ants and Acacia Tree

•The ants burrow into a thorn of the acacia tree to live and eat sugar secreted by the tree. The ants attack insects that would eat the tree’s leaves.

• Parasitism

• Predation

• Competition

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

5. Cleaner Fish and Shark

•The cleaner fish feeds on parasites in the shark’s mouth and gills.

• Parasitism

• Predation

• Competition

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

6. Tick and Moose

•The tick burrows into the moose’s skin to ingest its blood.

• Parasitism

• Predation

• Competition

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

7. Komodo Dragon and Water Buffalo

•The Komodo Dragon bites a water buffalo to inject it with venom. About 1 hour later, the water buffalo dies of poisoning and is eaten by the Komodo dragon.

• Parasitism

• Predation

• Competition

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

8. Tigers and Golden Jackals

•Lone golden jackals often follow tigers to feed on the tiger’s kills once the tiger has finished eating.

• Parasitism

• Predation

• Competition

• Mutualism

• Commensalism