SYMBIOSIS Trivia Game

Leaf Cutter Ants Leaf-cutter ants bring their leaves to their dens. Here, they chew the leaves to a paste, the spit them out. Then, they poop on this paste and a fungus begins to grow (on the poop and paste). This fungus is the ONLY food these ants eat. The fungus lives off of the poop. What is the symbiotic relationship between the Fungus and the Ants?

Mutualism The fungus eats and the ants eat, so both organisms benefit from the relationship.

Boxer Crab and Anemones The boxer crab will carry anemones around in its claws. When a predator comes along, it waves the anemones around in its claws- showing the predator the stinging tentacles of the anemone. This will scare away the predator, helping the crab. The anemone doesn’t care and isn’t harmed. What is the symbiotic relationship between the anemone and the crab?

Commensalism The crab gets protected and the anemone is unharmed, sometimes even unaware.

Head Lice The louse will attach to a human’s head and suck blood for protein, food, and survival. They reproduce rapidly- meaning your head can be full really fast. Lice bites itch!!! What is the symbiotic relationship between humans and lice?

Parasitism The lice are fed and humans are injured (loss of blood, itching).

Mistletoe Most plants use photosynthesis to make their food, but Mistletoe do not have roots. They get their water and nutrients from drilling into the tissue of a host plant- stealing some of that host’s nutrients and water. What is the symbiotic relationship between the host plant and the Mistletoe?

Parasitism The Mistletoe steals water and nutrients from its host tree. The Mistletoe benefits and the host tree loses nutrients and water.

Termites and Protozoa Protozoa live in the stomach of termites. They help digest cellulose and molecules in wood so that the termites can live. Protozoa have food, shelter, and transportation in the termite’s stomach. What kind of symbiotic relationship is this between the Protozoa and the Termites?

Mutualism The protozoa have protection and shelter, while the termites can digest wood that they eat. Both organisms benefit.

Orchids in the Jungle Orchids (flowers) use the branches of trees for support and to hold them up. By doing this, they get more light exposure and more air. What type of symbiotic relationship is this between the orchid and the tree?

Commensalism The orchids benefit by getting more sun and air, and the tree that’s holding them isn’t affected.

Heartworms in Dogs Heartworms block the right side of a dog’s heart as they grow up. They blood can’t flow through and the dog has a heart attack if nothing is done to kill the worms. What kind of symbiotic relationship is this between the heartworm and the dog?

Parasitism The worm has a home, food, and protection, while the dog is dying from heart attack. The worm benefits, the dog is hurt, possibly dead. =+

Nectar Mites and Hummingbirds Hummingbirds travel from flower to flower, drinking nectar for food. Mites (small bugs) that also eat nectar, climb into the nose holes of the hummingbirds and travel from one flower to the next.The hummingbirds don’t even know the mites are there. What kind of symbiotic relationship is this between the mites and the hummingbird?

Commensalism The hummingbirds don’t even know the mites are there, while the mites are hitching a free ride to the nearest restaurant (flower). The mites benefits and the birds aren’t harmed.

Athlete’s Foot Athlete’s foot is a type of fungus (like mold on bread) that grows between your toes! This fungus will grow- sometimes unseen- and cause a foot to burn, itch, and hurt. The fungus grows from moisture (sweat) and darkness (shoes/socks). The fungus has a home and food, while your foot hurts and itches. What type of symbiotic relationship is this between the fungus and your foot?

Parasitism The fungus has a home, food, and protection, while your foot stings, itches, and burns. The fungus is benefiting and you are hurting.

Fruit-Eating Birds Birds that eat fruit (fruit-eating birds) will eat the fruits off of plants. The plant’s fruit is food for the bird. The bird help’s to spread the plant’s seeds by pooping them out in different areas so that new plants can grow. The bird is fed, and the plant is growing in other areas. What type of symbiotic relationship is this between the bird and the plant?

Mutualism Both the plant and the bird are benefiting. The plant has new plants sprouting in new areas, while the bird is fed. Both are happy.