Introduction to Ecosystems

Which of the following is a type of symbiotic relationship where both species benefit?

• Parasitism

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Predation

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Identify the symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

• Mutualism

• Parasitism

• Commensalism

• Competition

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Explain how the relationship between clownfish and sea anemones exemplifies mutualism.

• Clownfish clean the anemones, and in return, they receive protection from predators.

• Clownfish eat the anemones, providing them with nutrients.

• Clownfish and anemones compete for food resources.

• Clownfish are parasites that harm the anemones.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

Describe a scenario in which commensalism might evolve into mutualism.

• A bird nesting in a tree starts to eat insects that harm the tree.

• A parasite becomes more harmful to its host.

• Two species compete for the same food source.

• A predator-prey relationship develops.

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DOK Level 3: Strategic Thinking

What is the primary benefit for a parasite in a parasitic relationship?

• It gains protection from predators.

• It receives nutrients from the host.

• It helps the host reproduce.

• It provides shelter for the host.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is a characteristic of mutualistic relationships?

• One species benefits while the other is harmed.

• Both species benefit from the interaction.

• One species benefits while the other is unaffected.

• Both species are harmed by the interaction.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

How does commensalism differ from mutualism?

• In commensalism, both species benefit, while in mutualism, only one benefits.

• In commensalism, one species benefits and the other is unaffected, while in mutualism, both benefit.

• In commensalism, both species are harmed, while in mutualism, both benefit.

• In commensalism, one species is harmed, while in mutualism, both are harmed.

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DOK Level 2: Skill/Concept

A boxer crab carries a pair of small anemones (the white pom-pom looking things) in its chelipeds, or claws. When approached by a predator, the crab waves the stinging tentacles of the anemones to deter the predator. The anemones benefit from the small particles of food dropped by the crab during feeding. What type of relationship are these organisms engaged in?

• Commensalism
• Mutualism
• Parasitism
• Altruism

The ecological niches of three bird species are shown in the diagram. What is the advantage of each bird species having a different niche?

• As more birds feed higher in the tree, available energy increases.
• More abiotic resources are available for each bird.
• Predators are less likely to feed on birds in a variety of locations.
• There is less competition for food.

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NGSS.MS-LS2-1

Naegleria fowleri is a unicellular organism that lives in water. They can enter a human's nose and then travel the olfactory nerve to the brain. Once there, they release chemicals that dissolve brain cells so they can take in the nutrients released. What type of relationship do these organisms have with humans?

• Mutualism

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Interspecific Competition

• Predation