How Organisms Interact in Communities Predation

Coevolution – the process in which long term, interdependent changes take place in two species as a result of their interactions; some interactions among species are the result of a long evolutionary history in which many of the participants adjust to one another over time

Example: With its long beak, the humming bird is able to reach the nectar deep within the flower. This is an example of coevolution.

Interactions Between Populations: predation – the act of one organism killing another for food competition – when two or more organisms in the same community seek the same resource (e.g., food, water, nesting space, ground space) symbiosis – the intimate living together of members of two or more species

Predation in Plants & Plant Defenses Against Herbivores: thorns/spines/prickles sticky hairs tough leaves secondary compounds – chemical defenses used by some plants

Symbiosis: Two or more species living together in a close, long term association; some relationships can be beneficial to both organisms or benefit one organism and leave the other unharmed or unaffected.

Symbiotic Relationships: mutualism – a symbiotic relationship in which both participating species benefit commensalism – a symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits and the other is neither harmed or helped parasitism – a symbiotic relationship between two species in which one benefits and the other is harmed

Examples of Symbiotic Relationships

Use the symbols below to help you decide which symbiotic relationship is present: (+,+) Mutualism - both benefit (+,0) Commensalism – one benefits, the other is neither harmed or helped (+,-) Parasitism – one benefits, the other is harmed

The drawing shows the Nile crocodile opening its mouth to permit the Egyptian plover (bird) to feed on any leeches attached to its gums. crocodile/plover Answer: + + Mutualism

Heliconius butterflies scatter their eggs on young Passiflora plants Heliconius butterflies scatter their eggs on young Passiflora plants. The developing larva may then eat the entire shoot. butterfly/plant Answer: _ + Parasitism

Epiphytes are plants that live perched on sturdier plants Epiphytes are plants that live perched on sturdier plants. They do not take any nourishment from their host and simply benefit from being better exposed to sunlight. Epiphyte/other plant Answer: + o Commensalism

Clown fish are small reef fish that seek protection from predators by sheltering themselves among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones. clown fish/ sea anemone Answer: + o Commensalism

Clown fish are small reef fish that seek protection from predators by sheltering themselves among the stinging tentacles of sea anemones. Clown fish are very territorial and can potentially scare off predators of sea anemones. clown fish/sea anemone Answer: + + Mutualism

Aphids feed on plants which experience yellowing, stunting, mottling, browning, and curling of leaves. They may also inhibit its ability to produce crops. aphids/plant Answer: _ + Parasitism

Phoresy, is a type of biological hitchhiking in which one organism receives access to transportation on the body of another animal, without the transporting animal being adversely affected by this arrangement. hitchhiker/transporting animal Answer: + o Commensalism

The hermit crab is less likely to be eaten by cuttlefish when an anemone rides on its shell. The anemone gains access to a wider feeding range. hermit crab/anemone Answer: + + Mutualism

Commensalism Parasitism Mutualism