1. Friendships Exploring Symbiosis
Good Buddies
Friendships
Exploring Symbiosis
Activity created by Mrs. McAven and adapted from Project Wild

2. Background Review
Elements of any ecological system live in an intricate web of interdependence. When two species of organisms live in close association with each other, their relationship is called “symbiotic”. In a symbiotic relationship, at least one of the organisms directly benefits from its close association with the other organism. There are three major forms of symbiotic relationships: commensalism, mutualism and parasitism.

3. Procedures
You will be given the name of an animal you will be representing.
Write down the name of your organism and hold onto your animal card until the teacher collects it.
Now, you must get creative! You will be making a “Thanksgiving” note for your partner and that special relationship you share.
You will be presenting your card
so do a nice job.

4. The Thanksgiving Note Must Include:
Your animal name. (From)
Your partners animal name. (To)
The type of relationship you share.
(Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism)
*Note: not all of these will be positive relationships for both individuals.
Explain how the relationship has effected your life.
(Be specific and use at least 5 good details)
COLORFUL
PICTURES

5. Thanksgiving Note Rubric
Include: Points
Your animal name. (From) 1
Your partners animal name. (To) 1
The type of relationship you share. 1
(Commensalism, Mutualism, Parasitism)
How the relationship has effected your life. 5
Neatness and quality of note 2
Presentation quality (voice level & creativity) 5
TOTAL

6. Teacher printouts

7. Goby Fish/Shrimp. Mutualism
Goby Fish/Shrimp Mutualism The shrimp digs a burrow into the sand and both organisms live there.
Because the shrimp is almost blind, the goby fish will touch the shrimp
when a predator is near.  

8. Sea Lamprey/ Lake Trout Parasitism
Sea Lamprey/ Lake Trout Parasitism The lamprey uses its suction cup-like mouth to attach itself to the skin of a fish
and bites through the skin. Secretions in the lamprey's mouth prevent the trout's
blood from clotting. Victims typically die from excessive blood loss or infection. 

10. GOBY FISH
SHRIMP

11. SEA LAMPREY
LAKE TROUT