Intro to Biological Interactions

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Question 1: In a symbiotic competition between two species, does one benefit while the other is harmed?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. A competition harms both species.

Can there be short term symbiotic interactions within one species?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. Symbiosis means long-term and applies to interactions between different species.

Do some parasites benefit the host overall, so both species benefit?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. By definition, a parasite causes a net harm on the other species (called the host).

In mutualism, do both species benefit?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

Yes. This is the only symbiotic interaction with a ‘win-win’ outcome.

Does the example of the clownfish and the sea anemone demonstrate mutualism?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

Yes. This is one of the classic teaching examples in introductory texts.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

In commensalism, is there one species that benefits and one that is harmed?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. One benefits and the other is neutral (no benefit or harm).

Are barnacles on whales an example of parasitism? 

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. Although the barnacles benefit (it’s safer from predators), the whale is neither benefited or harmed. This is a classic teaching examples of commensalism.  

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

In amensalism, are both species harmed?

• No

• Yes

Answer explanation

No. One species is harmed (or killed), the other is neutral (no benefit or harm).