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

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)

Fungus & Algal Cells (in lichens)

• Both the fungus and the algal cells use each other in the structure of the lichen

• Mutualism

Squirrel & Tree

Squirrel & Tree

• A squirrel gets its food from the acorns from a tree

• Commensalism

Tree & Fungus

Tree & Fungus

• A fungus grows on the side of a tree and could cause the tree to weaken or die.

• Parasitism

Tree & Mistletoe

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)

Humans & Microorganisms (bacteria)

• Bacteria lives in humans but can help in some functions such as digestions.

• Mutualism

Barnacles & Whales

Barnacles & Whales

• Barnacles find a home on the outside of a whale

• Commensalism

Ticks & Humans

Ticks & Humans

• Ticks latch onto human skin and find nourishment by drawing blood (they can carry infections)

• Parasitism

Cattle Egrets & Livestock

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

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 & Fish

• Cleaner shrimp find food on the surface of fish, sharks, and other sea creatures

• Mutualism

Flowers & Bees

Flowers & Bees

• A bee finds its source of food through the flower’s pollen and helps pollinate the flower so it can reproduce

• Mutualism