Symbiosis & Changing Ecosystems

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What is symbiosis?

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Symbiosis is a close relationship between two different species that live together. It can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral to one or both species.

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What are the three main types of symbiosis?

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The three main types of symbiosis are mutualism (both species benefit), commensalism (one benefits, the other is not affected), and parasitism (one benefits at the expense of the other).

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What is parasitism?

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Parasitism is a type of symbiosis where one organism (the parasite) benefits by harming another organism (the host).

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Can you give an example of parasitism?

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An example of parasitism is a tick feeding on the blood of a mammal.

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What is mutualism?

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Mutualism is a type of symbiosis where both species involved benefit from the relationship.

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Can you give an example of mutualism?

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An example of mutualism is bees pollinating flowers while collecting nectar for food.

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What is commensalism?

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Commensalism is a type of symbiosis where one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

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Can you give an example of commensalism?

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An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit by getting a ride to food, while the whale is unaffected.

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What is an ecosystem?

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An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with each other and their physical environment.

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How do invasive species affect ecosystems?

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Invasive species can disrupt ecosystems by outcompeting native species for resources, leading to declines in biodiversity.