Symbiotic Interactions in Organisms NGSS.MS.LS1-4

A wasp lays its eggs on a caterpillar. When

the eggs hatch, the larva eats the

caterpillar and kills it.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

Orchids grow inside a bromeliad plant. The

orchid obtains water and nutrients from

the bromeliad, but the bromeliad still has

enough nutrients for itself.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

The cleaner fish feeds on parasites in a

shark’s mouth and gills. The fish are protected and the shark has a clean body.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

The tapeworm attaches to the intestinal

wall of the dog and uses nutrients that are

absorbed by the dog.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

Mistletoe extracts water and nutrients ÿrom

a spruce tree. This leaves the tree with

barely any nutrients and water to live.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

When it eats, a bison stirs up insects in the grass, which

cowbirds eat.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Barnacles make their homes in a whale’s

skin. The whales do not notice.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

Oxpeckers eat ticks off of rhinos, which causes oxpeckers to be protected and rhinos to have healthy skin.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-5

Grape vines grow up the trunk of an ash

tree to get more light and space.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)

A flea feeds on the mouse’s blood and

harms the mouse.

• parasitism :) :(

• commensalism :) :-|

• mutualism :) :)