WorksheetsSymbiotic Relationships
Total questions: 10
Worksheet time: 10mins
A shark and remora fish can be found swimming together in the ocean. The remoras may attach themselves to the shark as it swims through the water. When the shark finds food, the remoras eat some of the food not consumed by the shark. The shark feels no effect.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Termites eat wood, but cannot break down wood on their own. They must have a small microbe in their intestine to break it down for them. The microbe in turn receives food and shelter.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Ostriches and gazelles feed next to each other. They both watch for predators. Because the visual abilities of the two species are different, they can each identify threats that the other animal may not see as readily. Both species benefit.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
A tapeworm in humans is not all that uncommon. The tapeworms will hook on to the inner lining of the small intestine and absorb food from the human.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Most holes used by bluebirds for nesting are chiseled out by woodpeckers. Bluebirds never use a woodpecker hole unless it has been abandoned.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
The spider crab and the algae can be found together in the ocean. Spider crabs live in shallow areas of the ocean floor, and greenish-brown algae lives on the crabs' backs, making the crabs blend in with their environment, and unnoticeable to predators.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Wasp larvae, as they hatch, will feast on a caterpillar. The caterpillar is weakened from the lack of food.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
The oxpecker bird and the rhinoceros have a relationship. The oxpeckerreceives protection and obtains food from the ticks and other pests infecting the rhino’s skin. The rhino receives in return cleaning and early warning of approaching danger.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
Leeches cling to a turtle’s skin and suck blood and microorganisms from the turtle, not to mention valuable food and nutrients.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
The plover bird sits in a crocodile’s mouth and eats the food in the crocodile’s teeth. Meanwhile, the crocodile gets a clean mouth and can continue hunting.
Mutualism
Commensalism
Parasitism
