Symbiosis

Symbiosis Any two organisms that interact in close proximity to one another Comes from the Greek SYM- which means together, and BIO- which means life

Five Types of Symbiosis Mutualism both species benefit Commensalism   one species benefits, the other is unaffected Parasitism   one species benefits, the other is harmed Competition species compete for resources; both are harmed Predator/Prey one species consumes another

Mutualism Both organisms benefit from the relationship Otters and Kelp The otters help the kelp by eating the sea urchins which endanger it. The kelp provides an anchor for the otters while they sleep.

Cleaner Fish and the Moray Eel The cleaner fish eats parasites and food bits out of the inside of this moray eel. It gets a meal and is protected from predators by the fierce eel.

Commensalism One species benefits while the other is uneffected The cattle egret and cows The cattle help the egret who look for grasshoppers and beetles that are raised by the cows. Now and then they sit on the back of a cow, looking for flies. This does not effect the cattle in any way.

Barnacles and Whales Barnacles need a place to anchor. They must wait for food to come their way. Some barnacles hitch a ride on unsuspecting whales who deliver them to a food source. This does not effect the whale in any way.

Parasitism One species benefits while the other is harmed Mistletoe is an aerial parasite that has no roots of its own and lives off the tree that it attaches itself to. Without that tree it would die. It slowly chokes out the life of the host tree.

Bedbugs Bedbugs are small, nocturnal parasites that come out of hiding at night to feed on unsuspecting humans.  They feed exclusively on blood!  Their bites often result in an allergic reaction.

Competition Both species compete over resources such as food, water, or mates Male Red deer will fight during mating season for the right to mate with the female deer

Zebra and Gazelle Zebra and gazelle compete over food resources by eating the same grass in the African Savannah

Predator/Prey Lions hunt and consume wildebeest for food One species consumes another Lions hunt and consume wildebeest for food

Eagle and Fish Bald eagles dive down and scoop up various fish using their talons