Types of Symbiotic Relationships Read the description on the slide and determine if it is: Mutualism Commensalism Parasitism

The stinging tentacles of the sea anemone protect the clownfish from predators; the clownfish eats the fish that nibble on the tentacles of the sea anemone.

Lice are insects that draw small amounts of blood from the scalp of humans; causes intense itching and small red bumps that ooze.

Remora (sucker fish) attach to a shark and feeds off the remains of its meal. The shark is not affected.

The mistletoe gets its nutrients from the tree, thereby weakening the tree. The tree eventually dies.

A sloth has algae on its fur A sloth has algae on its fur. The algae is exposed to the sunlight in a dark forest. The sloth is camouflaged by the algae.

The protozoa digests cellulose for the termite The protozoa digests cellulose for the termite. The termite provides food and protection for the protozoa.

The bacteria “fix” nitrogen for the plant to use The bacteria “fix” nitrogen for the plant to use. The bacteria obtain food and a place to live from the plant.

Barnacles obtain food while riding on a whale Barnacles obtain food while riding on a whale. This does not harm the whale.

Deer ticks feed on the blood of humans and other mammals Deer ticks feed on the blood of humans and other mammals. Deer ticks may carry disease and caues flu-like symptoms.

A flea feeds on the blood of an animal.

The Yucca moth pollinates flowers on a Joshua tree, enabling the tree to produce seeds. The Joshua tree provides the moth with protection, food and shelter.

The plover eats leeches off a crocodile’s gums and parasites off its hide. The crocodile provides protection for the plover.

The wrasse eats parasites off the parrot fish The wrasse eats parasites off the parrot fish. The parrot fish protects the wrasse from predators.

The tick bird eats ticks off the rhinoceros The tick bird eats ticks off the rhinoceros. The rhinoceros protects the bird.

The honey guide bird leads the badger to a bee hive The honey guide bird leads the badger to a bee hive. The badger rips the hive open and eats the honey. The bird eats bee’s larvae, wax and leftover honey.

A woodpecker eats moths which attack the Saguaro cactus A woodpecker eats moths which attack the Saguaro cactus. The cactus provides shelter for woodpecker.

Fluke eggs are eaten by a snail. Snail penetrates a fish Fluke eggs are eaten by a snail. Snail penetrates a fish. When undercooked fish is eaten by a human, the fluke develops into an adult and damages the liver of the human.

Moss grows on a tree so it can obtain sunlight. The tree is not harmed.