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 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, causing harm.

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

An example of mutualism is bees pollinating flowers while obtaining nectar for food.

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

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

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

An example of parasitism is a tapeworm living in the intestines of a dog, absorbing nutrients from the dog's food.

Front

What happens in a commensal relationship?

Back

In a commensal relationship, one organism benefits while the other is not affected.

Front

What happens in a parasitic relationship?

Back

In a parasitic relationship, the parasite benefits at the expense of the host, often causing harm.