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

What are the three main types of symbiotic relationships?

Back

The three main types of symbiotic relationships are mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is the relationship between red-billed oxpeckers and impalas, where the birds eat parasites off the impalas.

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

An example of commensalism is cattle egrets foraging among cattle, benefiting from the insects stirred up by the cattle.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tapeworm living in the intestine of a cat, absorbing nutrients from the cat.

Front

What is competition in ecological terms?

Back

Competition is an interaction between organisms or species in which both are harmed as they compete for limited resources.

Front

How does mutualism differ from parasitism?

Back

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