Relationships in Nature: Symbiosis

Symbiosis Living together A partnership Two different species Both partners benefit – mutual benefit

Animal Kingdom Nile crocodile & crocodile bird Hermit crab & sea anemone Buffalo & oxpecker Shark & remora fish

Crocodile & Bird Nile crocodile –Usually eats animals –Allows bird to walk around its mouth Crocodile bird –Cleans parasites in croc’s teeth –Removes and eats scraps of food –Eats harmful leeches and parasites

Hermit Crab & Sea Anemone Hermit crab –protects the crab Sea anemone –Gets leftover food

Buffalo & Oxpecker Buffalo –Lets the bird eat Oxpecker –Eats ticks and other parasites off skin –Warns buffalo of danger

Shark and Remora Fish Shark –Lets the fish eat Remora Fish –Eats parasites –Gets the shark’s leftovers

Lichen Slow growing plants Partnership: fungi & algae Neither could live alone

Relationships Phoresis Commensalism Mutualism Parasitism

Phoresis Loose association One organism is smaller than other Larger organism used for transport Dung beetles and cow dung

Commensalism “eating together at the same table” Only one member benefits –sharing space, defense, shelter, food Neither will die if relationship is ended Shrimp & sea cucumber

Mutualism Both organisms derive mutual benefit Intimate and obligatory Neither can survive without the other Example – host and parasite Tickbirds and rhinos Clownfish & sea anemone m

Parasitism Not symbiotic Causes harm to host