Relationships How do different species affect one another?
Symbiosis A close relationship between the individuals of two (or more) different biological species Three types: mutualism, commensalism, and parasitic relationships
Commensalism A type of relationship between two individual organisms where one organism benefits and the other organism is unaffected
Mutualism A type of relationship between organisms where both organisms benefit from the relationship
Parasitism A type of relationship between organisms where one organism benefits and the other organism is harmed by the relationship
Important Things to Remember All species interact with other species around it and the habitat around it A change to one species can affect another species or habitat A change in a habitat can affect one or more species
Army Ants & Birds
When army ants march in a line, they stir up insects that make it easier for the birds to see & eat. Commensalism
Fungus & Algal Cells (in lichens)
Both the fungus and the algal cells use each other in the structure of the lichen Mutualism
Squirrel & Tree
A squirrel gets its food from the acorns from a tree Commensalism
Tree & Fungus
A fungus grows on the side of a tree and could cause the tree to weaken or die. Parasitism
Tree & Mistletoe
Mistletoe grows in trees, taking the nourishment from the tree (notice the color of leaves of mistletoe vs. tree) Parasitism
Humans & Microorganisms (bacteria)
Bacteria lives in humans but can help in some functions such as digestions. Mutualism
Barnacles & Whales
Barnacles find a home on the outside of a whale Commensalism
Ticks & Humans
Ticks latch onto human skin and find nourishment by drawing blood (they can carry infections) Parasitism
Cattle Egrets & Livestock
Cattle egrets live among livestock and eat the insects that are stirred up by the movement of the cattle. Commensalism
Humans & Cold Virus
A virus, such as the cold virus, finds its home in a host, such as a human Parasitism
Cleaner Shrimp & Fish
Cleaner shrimp find food on the surface of fish, sharks, and other sea creatures Mutualism
Flowers & Bees
A bee finds its source of food through the flower’s pollen and helps pollinate the flower so it can reproduce Mutualism