Symbiotic Relationships

Front

What is a symbiotic relationship?

Back

A close and long-term biological interaction between two different biological organisms.

Front

Define mutualism.

Back

A type of symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

The relationship between corals and zooxanthellae, where corals provide protection and nutrients to the algae, and in return, the algae provide energy through photosynthesis.

Front

Define commensalism.

Back

A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

Imperial shrimp riding on sea cucumbers, benefiting from transportation without affecting the cucumber.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of the other.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

A tapeworm living in the intestines of a dogfish shark, deriving nourishment and harming the shark.

Front

What is the role of symbiotic bacteria in the siboglinid tube worm?

Back

They oxidize hydrogen sulfide or methane, providing nutrients to the tube worm.

Front

How do barnacles exhibit commensalism?

Back

Barnacles attach to sea turtles or whales, gaining access to food while the host is neither helped nor harmed.

Front

What is the significance of zooxanthellae to corals?

Back

Zooxanthellae perform photosynthesis, providing energy that helps corals build their skeletons.