Community Interactions

Front

What is competition in ecological terms?

Back

Competition refers to the struggle between organisms for limited resources such as food, space, and mates.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

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

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

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

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

Parasitism is a relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another, often harming it.

Front

Give an example of competition in nature.

Back

An example of competition is two species of birds competing for the same nesting sites.

Front

What is an example of mutualism?

Back

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

Front

What is an example of commensalism?

Back

An example of commensalism is barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit while the whale is unaffected.

Front

What is an example of parasitism?

Back

An example of parasitism is ticks feeding on a dog.

Front

How do organisms compete for mates?

Back

Organisms may compete for mates through displays of strength, colorful plumage, or elaborate courtship behaviors.

Front

What role does space play in competition?

Back

Space is a critical resource that organisms compete for, as it is necessary for nesting, feeding, and territory.