Symbiotic Relationships in Nature: Mutualism, Commensalism, and Parasitism

The video explains symbiosis, a close long-term relationship between different species, focusing on mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Mutualism benefits both organisms, as seen in the microbiome, termites, and yucca moths. Commensalism benefits one organism without affecting the other, exemplified by hermit crabs, mites, and orchids. Parasitism benefits one organism at the expense of the other, with examples like lampreys, worms, and a fungus affecting ants.

What is the term for a relationship where both species involved benefit?

• Parasitism

• Commensalism

• Mutualism

• Predation

Which of the following is an example of mutualism?

• Bacteria in the human gut

• A mite hitching a ride on a fly

• A lamprey feeding on a fish

• An orchid growing on a tree

How do termites benefit from their relationship with protozoa?

• Protozoa protect them from predators

• Protozoa clean their bodies

• Protozoa help them digest cellulose

• Protozoa provide them with a place to live

What role does the yucca moth play in the life of the yucca plant?

• It acts as a pollinator

• It provides nutrients

• It helps the plant grow taller

• It protects the plant from herbivores

In commensalism, how is the host organism affected?

• It is killed

• It is neither harmed nor benefited

• It is benefited

• It is harmed

Which of the following is an example of commensalism?

• A bee pollinating a flower

• A tapeworm in a human

• A lion hunting a zebra

• A hermit crab using a snail shell

What is a characteristic of parasitism?

• Both organisms are harmed

• Both organisms benefit

• One organism is harmed

• Neither organism is affected

Which organism is an example of a parasite?

• Hermit crab

• Lamprey

• Yucca moth

• Orchid

How does the fungus affect the ant it infects?

• It changes the ant's behavior

• It makes the ant stronger

• It helps the ant find food

• It protects the ant from predators

What happens to the ant after the fungus infects it?

• The ant grows larger

• The ant becomes immune to other infections

• The ant dies after attaching to a leaf

• The ant becomes a better worker