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 hummingbirds and flowers, where hummingbirds get nectar and flowers get pollinated.

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 barnacles attaching to whales; barnacles benefit by getting a place to live, while whales are unaffected.

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; the tick benefits while the dog is harmed.

Front

What role do honey guide birds play in mutualism with badgers?

Back

Honey guide birds alert badgers to bee hives, allowing badgers to feed on honey while the birds eat leftovers.

Front

How do lichen demonstrate mutualism?

Back

Lichen is a combination of an alga and a fungus; the alga provides food through photosynthesis, while the fungus provides water and protection.