Understanding Symbiotic Relationships

What is the definition of commensalism?

• A relationship where both species benefit

• A relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed

• A relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other

• A relationship where one species hunts and eats another

Answer explanation

Commensalism is defined as a relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. This distinguishes it from mutualism (both benefit) and parasitism (one benefits at the other's expense).

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

• A bird eating ticks off a buffalo

• A barnacle attaching to a whale

• A flea living on a dog

• A lion hunting a zebra

Answer explanation

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. A bird eating ticks off a buffalo helps the buffalo by removing parasites while the bird gets food, making this the correct example of mutualism.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What are the characteristics of parasitism?

• Both species benefit

• One species benefits while the other is harmed

• One species benefits and the other is unaffected

• One species hunts and eats another

Answer explanation

Parasitism is characterized by one species benefiting at the expense of another. In this relationship, the parasite gains resources or advantages while the host is harmed, making the correct choice "One species benefits while the other is harmed."

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DOK Level 1: Recall

How does predation differ from parasitism?

• Predation involves one species benefiting and the other being unaffected

• Predation involves one species benefiting and the other being harmed

• Predation involves one species hunting and eating another

• Predation involves both species benefiting

Answer explanation

Predation is characterized by one species hunting and eating another, which directly harms the prey. This distinguishes it from parasitism, where one organism benefits at the expense of another over a longer period.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the impact of symbiotic relationships on ecosystems?

• They have no impact on ecosystems

• They help maintain balance and biodiversity

• They always harm the ecosystem

• They only benefit one species

Answer explanation

Symbiotic relationships are crucial for ecosystems as they promote balance and biodiversity. These interactions can enhance resource availability, support species diversity, and contribute to ecosystem stability.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the definition of mutualism?

• A relationship where both species benefit

• A relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed

• A relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other

• A relationship where one species hunts and eats another

Answer explanation

Mutualism is defined as a relationship where both species benefit from the interaction. This distinguishes it from other types of relationships, such as commensalism or parasitism, where the benefits are not mutual.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is an example of commensalism?

• A bee pollinating a flower

• A remora fish attaching to a shark

• A tick feeding on a deer

• A wolf hunting a rabbit

Answer explanation

Commensalism is a relationship where one species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed. A remora fish attaches to a shark, gaining transportation and food scraps, while the shark is unaffected.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is an example of parasitism?

• A clownfish living in a sea anemone

• A tapeworm living in a human intestine

• A bird building a nest in a tree

• A cheetah chasing a gazelle

Answer explanation

A tapeworm living in a human intestine is an example of parasitism, where the tapeworm benefits at the expense of the host, causing harm. The other options describe mutualism or predation, not parasitism.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

What is the definition of parasitism?

• A relationship where both species benefit

• A relationship where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed

• A relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other

• A relationship where one species hunts and eats another

Answer explanation

Parasitism is defined as a relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other. This means that one organism, the parasite, gains resources or advantages while harming the host organism.

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DOK Level 1: Recall

Which of the following is an example of predation?

• A bee collecting nectar from a flower

• A lion hunting a gazelle

• A barnacle attaching to a whale

• A mosquito biting a human

Answer explanation

Predation involves one organism hunting and consuming another. A lion hunting a gazelle is a clear example of this, as the lion preys on the gazelle for food, while the other options do not involve direct predation.

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DOK Level 1: Recall