Symbiotic Relationships
Symbiosis
• Symbiosis is a permanent relationship between
two or more different organisms.
• Symbiotic relationships are very important in
nature and happen all around us.
• Can you think of an example? HINT SEE
Symbiosis
• There are 3 types of Symbiosis:
1.Commensalism – one organism benefits the
other is not harmed or helped. + 0
Barnacles are transported and fed by the
whale. The whale is not affected by the
barnacles.
Symbiosis
• There are 3 types of Symbiosis:
2. Parasitism – one organism benefits the other is
harmed. + -
The tick feeds on the dog. The tick could
transmit disease to the host.
• There are 3 types of Symbiosis:
3. Mutualism – both organisms benefit. + +
The stinging tentacles of the sea anemone
protect pairs of clown fish. In return, the
clown fish clean debris from the sea
anemone.
Symbiosis
Leeches and Humans
•
Leeches are worms that suck
blood from animals including
humans. When a leech comes in
contact with a human, it attaches
to the skin with a suction cup
shaped mouth. The Leech sucks
blood from the human. The leech
receives a meal, while the human
loses a small amount of blood.
The leach may also leave a small
wound.
Tapeworm and Mammals
•
Tapeworms are flatworms that live in
the intestines of cows, pigs and
humans. Once a tapeworm enters a
host it will attach itself to the digestive
tract of the host and feed off the food
that the host ingests. The tapeworm is
not feeding on the host, but is stealing
nutrients from the host. This can lead
to sickness, malnutrition, digestion
problems and even death for the
host.
Birds and Trees
• Many birds make their
nests in trees. This
allows for the birds to
be safe from
predators. The tree
does not receive
anything from the
bird
Horses and Humans
•
Over the course of time, man has
domesticated a wide variety of
animals. Horse and humans are
one example. The horse receives
shelter, food and care from the
human, while the horse is used
for many jobs including
transportation, hauling loads and
in some cases, food.
Acacia Tree and Ants
• Acacia Ants make
their nest in Acacia
trees. The ants feed
on insects that are
found on the tree,
which in turn protects
the tree from harmful
predators. The tree is
unharmed by the
ants.
Shrimp and Gobi Fish
• The shrimp digs and
cleans up a burrow in the
sand in which both the
shrimp and the goby fish
live. The shrimp is almost
blind leaving it vulnerable
to predators when above
ground. In case of danger
the goby fish touches the
shrimp with its tail to warn
it. When that happens
both the shrimp and goby
fish quickly retract into
the burrow.
Burrs and Cattle
•
Burrs are plants that
have thorned seeds.
When cattle are
grazing, the burrs get
tangled in the cattle’s
fur, and then are
transported to
another area when
the cattle wander.
The burrs usually do
not harm the cow,
but the cow does not
receive any benefit,
either.
Fleas
• Fleas are tiny insects
that live in the fur of
different animals. The
fleas suck blood from
the skin of their host.
The fleas may cause
blood loss, irritation
and spread diseases
over a period of time.
Ichneumon Wasps
• Ichneumon wasps inject
their eggs into
caterpillars. After a period
of time, the eggs hatch
and the wasp larvae feed
on the caterpillar from
the inside out. The
caterpillar eventually dies.
Epiphytes
• Epiphytes are small
plants that grow on
larger plants. The
epiphytes receive a
better location for
collecting water and
sunlight. The larger
plant does not
benefit in anyway.
Harpy Eagle and Sloths
• Harpy eagles are the
largest eagles in the
Western hemisphere.
They hunt prey that
live in the treetops of
the rainforest. They
kill the prey by
squeezing their
bodies with their
sharp talons.
Praying Mantis and other insects
•
A Praying Mantis is a notably
vicious creature. It will eat almost
any insect, including its own
young. After mating, the female
typically devours the male. The
praying mantis will often hunt its
prey by hiding on plant until an
unsuspecting insect comes along.
The praying mantis uses its claws
to kill its victim.
Dust Mites and Humans
•
Dust mites are microscopic
insects that feed on the dead
skin and detritus of other
animals, including humans. The
dust mites do not harm the
humans directly, but some
evidence suggest that they may
be indirectly linked to asthma.