Symbiosis
Populations that live in close physical contact with each other interact in a variety of ways.
What kinds of relationships? Transfer of energy or food. Protection transportation support.
Types of relationships There are three major types of symbiotic relationships. They are classified according to how one species is affected by the other.
Commensalism one organism benefits while the other organism is unaffected
Commensalism An example of commensalism is the relationship between trees and flowers called orchids.
Commensalism a whale transports attached barnacles throughout the ocean. The whales are not affected by the bamacles.
Mutualism both organisms benefit
Mutualism Lichen - alga and fungus. Together these organisms live as one. The alga supplies the fungus with sugar, other nutrients, and water. The fungus protects the alga from intense sunlight and temperature extremes.
Mutualism Butterfly fish Clown fish protect anemones from butterfly fish, while the anemones poison protects clownfish
Mutualism Ants and aphids Ants protect and shelter aphid eggs. Aphids provide food inn the form of liquid nectar for the ants.
Parasitism one organism benefits and the other is harmed
Parasitism A parasite uses its host as a source of food. Usually the parasite does not kill its host. However, the parasite may weaken or sicken the host.
Parasitism Some parasites live outside the body of the host. Fleas, ticks, lice, and mites are examples of external parasites.
Parasitism Many parasitic bacteria cause disease. Tuberculosis, for example, is a respiratory disease caused by parasitic bacteria.