Symbiosis

Front

What is symbiosis?

Back

Symbiosis is a close and long-term interaction between two different 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 species benefit from the interaction.

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is the relationship between yucca flowers and yucca moths, where both species benefit.

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to whales; the barnacles benefit while the whale is unaffected.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one species benefits at the expense of the other.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tapeworm living in the intestines of a host animal, benefiting while harming the host.

Front

What role do wrasse fish play in mutualism?

Back

Wrasse fish feed on parasites found on larger fish, benefiting from the food while helping the larger fish by removing harmful parasites.

Front

How do cowbirds benefit from bison in a commensal relationship?

Back

Cowbirds eat insects that are disturbed by bison as they walk through grass, benefiting from the bison's movement without affecting the bison.