Ecological Relationships

Algae and Fungi (Lichen)

Algae and fungi can live together, forming

lichen. The algae produce carbohydrates

through photosynthesis, providing nutrients to

both the algae and the fungi. The fungi provide

moisture for the algae.

• Mutualism

• Predator/Prey

• Parasitism

• Commensalism

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-3

Mosquitoes and Human

Mosquitoes find a human and feast upon their blood. This causes a small reaction on the human’s skin, resulting in a red, itchy bump. In addition, mosquitoes can pass along disease to their human host.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parisitism

• Predator/Prey

Anemone Hermit Crab and Anemones

The crab attaches several anemones to its shell using them as camouflage and as a deterrent to potential predators. The anemones have a “mobile home” and get more exposure to food than if they remained stationary.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predator/Prey

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

Whale and Plankton

A whale uses its teeth to filter plankton from the water and eats the plankton for food.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predator/Prey

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Mantis and Bee

The mantis captures a bee and eats it for nourishment.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predator/Prey

Alligator and Deer

A lucky alligator spots a deer drinking water, attacks the deer, kills it, and eats it for food.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predator/Prey

Tapeworm and dogfish shark

A tapeworm lives in the intestines of a dogfish shark and takes nutrients from the shark. As a result, the shark is weakened and more vulnerable to disease and predators.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predator/Prey

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Canadian lynx and snowshoe hare

The snowshoe hare is the main source of food for the Canadian lynx. Their populations are closely linked. When the number of snowshoe hares decreases, so does the lynx population.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predator/Prey

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Maribou Stork and Bees

The stork uses its saw-like bill to cut up the dead animals it eats. As a result, the dead animal carcass is accessible to bees for food and egglaying.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predator/Prey

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

Black Wasp and Aphids

Black wasps plant eggs in aphids. The larvae eat the aphids from the inside.

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Predator/Prey

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4