Chapter 6, Problem 17STP

Summary Introduction

To write:

The three types of symbiotic relationships with examples.

Introduction:

Organisms that live together in a biological community constantly interact with each other. These interactions include completion for basic needs such as food, shelter, and mates as well as relationships in which organisms depend on each other for survival.

Explanation of Solution

Some species survive because they have established relationships with one another. Symbiosis is the association between two or more organisms living together. There are three distinct forms of symbiosis-mutualism, commensalism and parasitism.

• Mutualism- It is a relationship between two or more species that live in close contact with each other and both are benefitted. Lichens are an example of mutualism where both fungi and algae are mutually benefitted. The algae provide the fungi with food, and the fungi provide the algae a habitat.
• Commensalism - It is the relationship where one organism benefits from the other and the other organism is neither harmed nor benefitted. The relationship between clownfish and sea anemones is an example of commensalism. The clownfish swims among the sea anemone and eats food missed by the sea anemones. The sea anemones protect the clownfish from predators while they are not harmed or benefitted from the relationship.
• Parasitism- Parasitism is a type of symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits at the expense of another. The organism that is benefitted usually lives as a parasite with the host. If the host dies, the parasite would also die unless it finds another host. Tapeworm is a parasite that lives in the intestine of some animals.

Conclusion

The three types of symbiotic relationship are mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.