Mutualism and Parasitism Flashcards
What is commensalism?
Ecological interaction that is beneficial for one species but neutral for the other
How do barnacles and whales do commensalism?
Barnacles benefit from substrate and dispersal provided by whales
Whales receive no benefit and no harm by barnacles
What is parasitism?
Ecological interaction that is beneficial for one organism but detrimental to the other
how do ticks do parasitism?
They benefit by feeding on blood and the host animal is harmed
What is the difference between herbivores and plant parasites?
A parasite forms an intricate and long-term relationship with the host - herbivores do not do this
What is symbiosis?
The intricate and long-term living of two organisms
What can parasites alter?
The behaviour of the host to their favour
Why do hosts and parasites undergo coevolution?
Species have to evolve to keep up with the evolution of their parasites and vice versa
Like an arms race
What is mutualism?
Ecological interaction that is beneficial for both organisms
How do plants and mycorrhizae undergo mutualism?
Plants benefit from mycorrhizal fungi through increased nutrient uptake in soil
Mycorrhizae benefit from plants through consumption of their root exudates
What are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi?
Penetrate the cortical cells of plant roots
In 80% of plant species
What are ectomycorrhizal fungi?
Do not penetrate cortical cells
2% of plant species
When are AMF more mutualistic?
When grown in nutrient-poor soil
What is the mutualism-parasitism continuum?
Net effects of cost/benefits for the organism
How do plants attract pollinators?
Flower colour and scent
