Symbiotic Relationships

Front

What is a symbiotic relationship?

Back

A close interaction between two different species that can benefit one or both organisms.

Front

Define parasitism.

Back

A type of symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host).

Front

What is mutualism?

Back

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit from the interaction.

Front

Give an example of parasitism.

Back

A tapeworm living in the intestines of a cat.

Front

What is commensalism?

Back

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

Front

Provide an example of mutualism.

Back

A wrasse fish cleaning parasites off a black sea bass.

Front

What symbols represent parasitism?

Back

+,- (the parasite benefits while the host is harmed).

Front

What is the difference between mutualism and commensalism?

Back

In mutualism, both species benefit; in commensalism, one benefits and the other is unaffected.

Front

Can parasitism lead to the death of the host?

Back

Yes, in some cases, the parasite can harm the host to the point of death.

Front

What is an example of commensalism?

Back

Barnacles attaching to a whale; the barnacle benefits while the whale is unaffected.