Interactions in Ecosystems

Front

What is parasitism?

Back

A type of ecological relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of another organism (the host), causing harm to the host.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

A tick feeding on a dog's blood.

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of mutualism.

Back

A bird cleaning a crocodile's teeth, where the bird gets food and the crocodile gets cleaned.

Front

What is competition in an ecosystem?

Back

An ecological relationship where organisms compete for the same resources, such as food, water, or space.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

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

Front

Give an example of commensalism.

Back

Barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacles benefit by getting a ride to food sources, while the whale is unaffected.

Front

What is a limiting factor in an ecosystem?

Back

A resource that is in short supply and restricts the growth, abundance, or distribution of organisms.

Front

How does rainfall affect ecosystems?

Back

Less rainfall can lead to water becoming a limiting factor for all organisms, affecting their survival.

Front

What is an ecological niche?

Back

The role and position a species has in its environment, including all interactions with biotic and abiotic factors.