Symbiotic Relationships

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

A relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, such as a tick feeding on a dog.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

A relationship where both organisms benefit, like red-billed oxpeckers feeding on parasites found on impalas.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

A relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed, like cowbirds eating insects disturbed by bison.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

A tick feeding on a dog.

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

Red-billed oxpeckers feeding on parasites on impalas.

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

Cowbirds eating insects that are disturbed by bison.

Front

What is the main difference between mutualism and parasitism?

Back

In mutualism, both organisms benefit; in parasitism, one benefits at the other's expense.

Front

What type of relationship do ostriches and gazelles have?

Back

Mutualism, as they both benefit by watching for predators.

Front

What is neutralism?

Back

A relationship where neither organism is affected, unlike mutualism or parasitism.

Front

How do mutualistic relationships benefit ecosystems?

Back

They promote biodiversity and help maintain ecological balance.