Community Relationships between the species of an ecosystem

Predator and Prey relationship

Note the lag time! As prey increases, predators increase a proportionate relationship As predator populations increase, prey decrease an inversely proportionate relationship

prey population size is greater than predator population size

Atlantic Rock Crab Predation Predators are larger than their prey Prey size Predator size

SYMBIOSIS

Teeth cleaning for the crocodile Food for the plover Both species benefit MUTUALISM

Egrets ride on the backs of mammals, cleaning the fur of the mammals. Egrets are sensitive to changes in their surroundings providing an early warnings system for the mammals.

Zebra has good sense of smell Ostrich has good eyesight

Microorganisms in the termite gut digests the cellulose of the wood termites eat. The bacteria gets a home; termites get nutrients

COMMENSALISM One species benefits In a coral reef, the corals depend on the algae for photosynthesis If the temperature of the ocean rises, the algae stop carrying out photosynthesis, creating a life threatening danger for the coral

Baleen whales feed by swimming through clouds of plankton The barnacle extend its feathery, filtering arm to capture food as well

One benefits, the other is harmed PARASITISM One benefits, the other is harmed (but not killed!) Oxpecker birds eat the parasites off of African buffalo But in doing so, they pick at scabs and keep wounds open

Mistletoe steal food and water from oak trees

Flea bites, feeds on blood Dog itches

Parasites have specially designed mouth parts!

Ticks are external parasites

Lampreys are too - on fish

Many worms are parasites