Student Instructions Scientists who study interactions in ecosystems between organisms have developed categories to describe the relationship between two organisms. Some examples of types of relationships include predation, competition, commensalism, mutualism, and parasitism. At your stations, you will examine the descriptions of each type of relationship, as well as the example provided. Then, you will determine which type of interaction is present in your example.
predation which one organism kills and consumes another a hawk hunts and kills a rabbit to eat
competition which two organisms struggle to access the same resource within an environment cheetahs and lions compete for the same antelope and gazelle prey
commensalism which one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed a cattle egret follows livestock herds; it eats insects that are stirred up when livestock move through grass
mutualism which both organisms benefit from the interaction clownfish find safety amidst the tentacles of the sea anemone; the presence of the clownfish lures fish over for the sea anemone to prey on
parasitism which one organism benefits and the other is generally harmed fleas live on the skin of cats and dogs; they feed on the blood of their host, which can cause itching and infection; they can also spread diseases through their bites
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Q Possible Answers Potential Responses 1 Parasitism is obviously mentioned. Mutualism is described between wrasse and other reef dwellers. The fish have their parasites removed, while the wrasse have access to a steady food supply. Similarly, parrot fish keep the algae population in check, which helps coral. The parrot fish are fed in the process. 2 Chytrid is an example of a parasite that lives on the skin of the frogs and eventually results in their death. 3 Interestingly, mosquitos are NOT parasites because they do not live on the individuals they are harming. However, some diseases that mosquitos spread are caused by parasites. Malaria is caused by a parasite. It is picked up by the mosquito from an infected person. The parasite then reproduces and develops inside the mosquito. 4 The interaction between cane toads and native frogs in Australia is an example of both predation and competition. The organisms are competing for the same food source, but the cane toads will also eat the native frogs when given the chance. 5 The relationship between wolves and elk is predation the wolves hunt and kill the elk to eat. 6 The Emerald Ash Borer is a parasite in its larval state. It lives within the tree, slowly killing it from within, until it reaches its adult state. 7 The relationship between snowy owls and lemmings is an example of predation. 8 The relationship between honeybees and flowers is mutualistic. The honey bees are able to collect pollen and nectar for their own survival, but they also pollinate the flowers in the process helping the species to reproduce. Flowers rely on honeybees for this process. 9 This is an example of competition. Both salmon and humans are attempting to use the same resource the river. 10 N/A 11 N/A 12 N/A 13 N/A 14 N/A 15 N/A 16 N/A