Symbiosis

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different biological species, which can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful to one or both parties.

Front

What are the three main types of symbiotic relationships?

Back

The three main types of symbiotic relationships are mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

Commensalism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other, causing harm.

Front

How can ticks sometimes act more like commensalists than parasites?

Back

Ticks can act more like commensalists by taking very little blood from their hosts.

Front

What is the main benefit for both partners in mutualistic symbiosis?

Back

The main benefit for both partners in mutualistic symbiosis is increased evolutionary fitness.

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is a bee pollinating a flower, where both the bee and the flower benefit.

Front

What is an example of parasitism?

Back

An example of parasitism is mistletoe extracting water and nutrients from a spruce tree, harming the tree.

Front

What type of symbiotic relationship is represented by a mite living in the base of eyelashes?

Back

The relationship is commensalism, as the mite feeds on mascara without harming the person.