Types of Symbiosis
Symbiosis comes from two Greek words that mean “with” and “living.” It describes a close relationship between two organisms from different species. It is sometimes, but not always, beneficial to both parties.
Three Kinds of Symbiosis: There are several kinds of symbiosis to consider when looking for examples of symbiosis:
1.Commensalism 2. Parasitism 3. Mutualism
1) Commensalism
Commensalism is a type of relationship where one of the organisms benefits greatly from the symbiosis. The other is not helped but is not harmed or damaged from the relationship. In other words, this is a one-sided symbiotic relationship.
●Example: The relationship between cattle egrets and cattle.
●The cattle egret will eat insects that have been disturbed when the cattle forage.
In some of these commensalism relationships, the organism that is reaping the benefit will use the other for protection or transportation.
●Example: A hermit crab taking up residence in an empty seashell.
●Example: A spider building a web on a tree.
2) Parasitism
In parasitism, one organism benefits from the relationship but at the expense of the other. The organism may live inside the other’s body or on its surface. In some of these parasitic relationships the host dies and in others, it is important that the host remain alive.
●Example: Fleas and mosquitoes feed on blood from other organisms.
●In this type of parasitic relationship, the host needs to stay alive and it is not damaged greatly.
●Example: Barnacles that attach to the bodies of whales.
●The whale is not harmed greatly, but may have some pain or itching.
●Example: Aphids eat sap from plants.
3) Mutualism
Mutualism is a close relationship where both parties benefit. Both species will benefit from the relationship and many of these relationships are long-lasting.
●Example: Cleaning symbiosis
●In the ocean, certain species, like shrimps and gobies, will clean fish. They remove parasites, dead tissue, and mucous.
●Example: Dogs and humans have enjoyed a mutualistic symbiosis for centuries.
●The dogs supply protection and companionship and the humans provide food and shelter.
●Example: Humans and microorganisms
●Humans have a mutualistic relationship with microorganisms, primarily bacteria, in their digestive tract.
QUESTIONS:
- What does “symbiosis” mean? ______
- In your own words, define the following types of symbiosis:
- Mutualism: ______
- Parasitism: ______
- Commensalism: ______
- Give an example of a relationship that exhibits each type of symbiosis:
- Mutualism: ______
- Parasitism: ______
- Commensalism: ______