UEco - Ecological Relationships

What do you call a close relationship between two different species?

• symbiosis

• friendship

• community

• coevolution

Answer explanation

The term 'symbiosis' refers to a close relationship between two different species, where they interact closely and often benefit from each other. This distinguishes it from other terms like 'friendship' or 'community'.

Match the following types of relationships to their descriptions:

• Mutualism

• Both organisms benefit (help each other)

• Competition

• One organism benefits while the other remains neutral

• Commensalism

• One organism benefits at the expense of the other

• Parasitism

• Both organisms are harmed by fighting over a resource

In mutualism, both species ​ (a)   , whereas in competition both species are ​ (b)   . Competition often leads to the evolution of new ​ (c)   .

• benefit

• harmed

• traits

• colors

Answer explanation

In mutualism, both species benefit from the interaction, enhancing their survival. In contrast, competition harms both species as they vie for limited resources, often leading to the evolution of new traits to adapt and survive.

A cowbird lays its eggs in the nest of another bird. The other bird expends energy to take care of the baby, finding it food until it's big enough to leave the next. What kind of relationship is this?

• parasitism

• mutualism

• commensalism

• competition

Answer explanation

The cowbird's behavior is an example of parasitism, where it benefits by having another bird raise its young at the expense of the host bird, which invests energy without gaining any benefit.

Organisms that “fight” for limited resources such as food, water or mates. It can be between organisms from different species or between organisms of the same species.

• Predator-Prey

• Mutualism

• Competition

• Parasitism

Answer explanation

The question describes organisms competing for limited resources, which is defined as competition. This can occur between individuals of the same species or different species, making 'Competition' the correct answer.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

A symbiotic relationship that benefits both members of two different species.

• Predator-Pray

• Commensalism

• Mutualism

• Parasitism

Answer explanation

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. In contrast, predator-prey relationships involve one benefiting at the expense of the other, while commensalism and parasitism do not provide mutual benefits.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-2

A symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits from and hurts another (the host).

Usually the parasite is getting food from the hosts body.

• Commensalism

• Parasitism

• Mutualism

• Competition

Answer explanation

The question describes a symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another (the host). This is the definition of parasitism, making 'Parasitism' the correct answer.

Cattle egrets forage (feed) in fields among cattle. The egret gets easy access to flying insects stirred up by the cattle, and the cattle don't care if they are there or not.

• mutualism

• commensalism

• competition

• parasitism

Answer explanation

The relationship between cattle egrets and cattle is an example of commensalism. The egrets benefit by feeding on insects disturbed by the cattle, while the cattle are unaffected by the presence of the egrets.

Which symbols best describe parasitism?

• +,+

• +,-

• +,0

• -,0

Answer explanation

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits (+) at the expense of another (-). Thus, the correct symbols are +,-, indicating the host is harmed while the parasite gains.

Which of he following interactions demonstrates a PARASITIC relationship?

• A mosquito sucking blood from a warm blooded animal.

• A group of baby otters floating together to help warm each other in the cold waters.

• Many fish swimming together to protect each other from predators.

• Two hyenas fighting over a female to mate with.

Answer explanation

A mosquito sucking blood from a warm-blooded animal is a parasitic relationship, where the mosquito benefits by feeding on the host's blood, while the host is harmed. The other options describe mutualistic or competitive interactions.