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 PICTURE!

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.

Symbiosis 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.

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.