S

COMMENSALISMBy: Cheiyenne

Here are some

examples of Commensalis

m!

Cattle egret and cows

The cattle egret and cows are an example of commensalism because whenever cows and other such livestock are in the fields, they tend to move insects that have been nestling on the grass. The cattle egret then catches them and preys upon them. The cattle egret gets a benefit from this because they manage to get the insects that they wish to prey on and the cow (or other livestock) remains unaffected or unharmed.

Whales and barnacles

Barnacles usually attach themselves to sea like rocks or preferably whales, seat turtles, etc. When whales and such creatures travel, the barnacles get access to nutrient rich waters and often, some of the food that are left behind by the whale. The barnacle catches it and eats it. It leaves the whale unharmed or unaffected.

Caribou and fox

One of the examples of commensalism in the tundra is between the caribou and the arctic fox. The fox follows the caribou while it’s looking for its prey. The caribou tends to dig in the snow to get its food. Once it digs up the soil, the arctic fox comes and hunts some of the mammals that have come closer to the surface due to the digging action of the caribou. The caribou remains unaffected while the arctic fox benefits from its actions.

Remora sharks and whales

The relationship between Remora sharks and whales is yet another example of commensalism. The remora sharks attach themselves to the whales and then, feed on the remains from the whale's food.

Monarch butterfly and the Viceroy butterfly

Monarch butterflies contain cardiac glycosides, which are poisonous to frogs and other vertebrates that prey on butterflies, so they don’t eat the Monarch butterfly. However, the Viceroy butterfly does not contain cardiac glycosides so it copies the monarch butterflies so it does not get preyed on. The monarch butterflies are unaffected and the Viceroy butterflies gets its benefit by mimicking the Monarch butterflies.

Trees and orchids

Trees and orchids are another example of commensalism because the orchids get to live in a suitable location. It gets to live closer to sunlight, which orchids need. The tree is unaffected and unharmed.

Flatworm and crab

The flatworm benefits from eating bits of food from what the crab ate. The Horseshoe Crab is unharmed and unaffected.

Bibliography; Photos

http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/4102/PreviewComp/SuperStock_4102-10909.jpg

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_xEw_wnCvE_0/SZh-ZnQIolI/AAAAAAAAHfU/iciSBiI21W4/s400/cow_bird.jpg

http://www.learner.org/jnorth/images/graphics/c/caribou021.jpg

http://www.imagaman.com/Nature/Insects/Monarch-Butterflies/i-Dmsj3LW/1/L/K76637cc-L.jpg

http://huahuafarm.com/Tree%20Orchid.jpg

http://www.bee-hexagon.net/files/image/beeFlowerCassino.jpg

http://u.jimdo.com/www35/o/s2774a79c19d14e22/img/ie579880893072ab4/1301905127/std/crab-worm-photo-paul-macklin.jpg

http://en.bestpicturesof.com/remora%20whale

Bibliography; Information

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/examples-of-commensalism.html

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