Symbiotic Relationships

Front

What is a symbiotic relationship?

Back

A symbiotic relationship is a close interaction between two different species, where at least one species benefits.

Front

What are the three main types of symbiotic relationships?

Back

The three main types 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 honey guide birds and badgers, where both benefit from finding and eating honey.

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 hermit crabs living in shells made by snails, where the snails are not affected.

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 tick feeding on a dog, where the tick benefits and the dog is harmed.

Front

What is the role of yucca moths in their relationship with yucca flowers?

Back

Yucca moths pollinate yucca flowers and lay their eggs in them, benefiting from the food source while harming the seeds.

Front

How do cowbirds benefit from buffalos?

Back

Cowbirds eat insects that are disturbed by buffalos as they walk through grass, benefiting from the buffalo's movement.