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

Define mutualism.

Back

Mutualism is a type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

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

Front

Example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is the relationship between bees and flowering plants, where bees get nectar and plants get pollinated.

Front

Example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; barnacles benefit by getting a place to live, while the whale is not affected.

Front

Example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tapeworm living in the intestines of a host, absorbing nutrients and harming the host.

Front

What is the role of ants in the mutualistic relationship with acacia trees?

Back

Ants protect acacia trees from herbivores and competing plants while receiving food and shelter from the tree.

Front

How do cattle egrets benefit from their relationship with cattle?

Back

Cattle egrets benefit by feeding on insects stirred up by the movement of cattle.

Front

What is the difference between mutualism and parasitism?

Back

In mutualism, both species benefit, while in parasitism, one species benefits at the expense of the other.