Relationships in the Ecosystem

Relationships between two or more different species are known as symbiotic relationships. Sym- is a variant of Syn- meaning “with” or “together” Examples: symmetry, symphony, symbol… Bio means “life”

Symbiotic relationships are interspecific, which means that they occur between species. Inter – means “between”. Example: International, Interstate, Interracial, etc.

Relationships among members of the same species are intraspecific Relationships among members of the same species are intraspecific. Intra- means “within”. Examples: Intracranial, intracellular fluid, etc.

A relationship in which one organism benefits but the other is unaffected is called commensalism.

When both species benefit from each other the relationship is called mutualism.

The entire ecosystem near the abyssal plane is dependent on the mutualism between tubeworms and bacteria.

The most common type of symbiosis is parasitism – relationship in which one organism benefits but the other is harmed.

Common fish parasites: paragonimus westermani, clonorchis sinensis

When change occurs to two or more species over a long period of time in response to each other, the process is known as coevolution.

Asexual reproduction is the production of an organism without the fusion of sex cells.

A major benefit of asexual reproduction is that the organism does not need to find a mate or spend much time and energy in order to reproduce.

Organisms that reproduce by fusing gametes together reproduce sexually.

The advantage of sexual reproduction is greater genetic diversity within offspring, which increases an offspring’s chances of surviving.

Marine mammals, sea birds, sea horses, and some sharks spend a significant amount of time raising and nourishing offspring. As a general rule, the fewer the offspring, the more time and energy invested into caring for them.