Virtual Ecosystem

Symbiotic Relationships

Symbiotic relationship is a close relationship between 2 living organisms. Below is a description of each type you are required to find an example of:

Ø Mutualism (+ +) - This is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit in some way.

§ Example: birds that eat mites out of the eyelashes of rhinoceros. The birds are benefiting because they obtain a source of food. The rhinoceros benefits by having the mites cleaned out of it’s eyelashes.

Ø Commensalism (+ 0) – This is a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits, and the other

o is not harmed, but also does not benefit.

§ Example: birds building a nest high up in a tree top. The birds are able to have a safe

§ shelter, while the tree is not harmed, or benefited.

Ø Parasitism (+, - ) - A parasite is an organism that relies on a host organism for food or shelter.

o In this symbiotic relationship, the parasite benefits, while the host is harmed.

§ Example: A tick burrowing into a toad’s skin. The tick benefits, while the toad is harmed by the loss of blood.

Biome:___________________________

Mutualism

Commensalism

Parasitism