Interactions withing Ecosystems

Question 1

Symbiosis

Answer 1

A close, long-term relationship between two species that usually involves an exchange of food or energy.

Question 2

Commensalism

Answer 2

A symbiotic relationship that benefits one species but does not harm or benefit the other.

Question 3

Parasitism

Answer 3

A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is harmed.

Question 4

Mutualism

Answer 4

A symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit.

Question 5

What is a cooperative relationship, and what are examples

Answer 5

When organisms of the same species working together to benefit the whole group. For example; leaf-cutter ants collecting leaves together so they all have food, meerkats taking it in turns to keep watch for predators so all the group is safe and has time to eat and sleep.

Question 6

What is a predator-prey relationship, and what are examples

Answer 6

A relationship where one organism eats another. Predators help to prevent the prey population from getting too large. They also tend to kill the weak or injured members of the prey population, this means there will be more resources for the remaining population and also helps maintain the health of the prey population. For example arctic foxes and arctic hares, owls and mice, wolves and deer.

Question 7

What are competitive relationships, and what are some examples

Answer 7

When organisms that share the same habitat and compete for the same resources. This can be between the same species or different species. For example; taller, older trees block the light for smaller younger trees making it harder for the younger trees to grow. Wolves and ravens compete for the meat from animals that wolves kill.

Question 8

What are examples of commensalism

Answer 8

Barnacles on a whale’s skin; the barnacle benefits from a stable home and the whale is unaffected.
Cattle egrets eat insects stirred up by cattle grazing; the egrets benefit from having easier access to food and the cattle are unaffected.

Question 9

What are examples of parasitism

Answer 9

Fleas on a dog/cat; the flea benefits from having food, the dog/cat is harmed by the flea biting them.
A tapeworm living inside a human’s intestine; the tapeworm benefits from having a home and food, the human is harmed by the tapeworm taking vital nutrients from them.

Question 10

What are examples of mutualism

Answer 10

Bees and flowers; the bees get nectar and the flowers are pollinated.
Cleaner fish and host fish; the cleaner fish gains food and nutrients, the host fish are cleaned which allows them to be healthier and live longer.