Relationships between organisms in the Ecosystem

Question 1

What are the relationships between organisms in the ecosystem?

Answer 1

1. Predation
2. Competition
3. Symbiosis

Question 2

What is Predation and Competition?

Answer 2

Predation - the behaviour of one animal (predator) feeding on another (prey).

Competition - when two or more organisms rely on the same environmental resource.

Question 3

What is Symbiosis and what are the types?

Answer 3

Symbiosis is where two species live in close association with each other. In all cases, at least one organism benefits.
Eg. Mutualism, Commensalism and Parasitism.

Question 4

What is Mutualism?

Answer 4

This is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.
Wg. Rhizobium and leguminous plants, Trichonympha and termites.

Question 5

What is Commensalism?

Answer 5

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and one does not but is unharmed.
Eg. Remora and shark, epiphyte.

Question 6

What is Parasitism?

Answer 6

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and one is harmed.
Eg. Plasmodium endoparasite, Dodder and Hibiscus.