Post on 30-Dec-2015
description
Case Study on Relationships in
Ecosystems:
Case Study on Relationships in
Ecosystems:
An observant 12th grade AP student was doing a study on the relationships between organisms. One June, the student wandered through a
Sweet Clover field and observed the following
organisms and their activities :
An observant 12th grade AP student was doing a study on the relationships between organisms. One June, the student wandered through a
Sweet Clover field and observed the following
organisms and their activities :
The main producers were Sweet Clover plants, Wild Oats, Canada Thistle and Blue Burr. These species were growing and photosynthesizing, intermingled in the same field.
1. Which two of the following best describe the relationships that
exist between the plants?
1. Which two of the following best describe the relationships that
exist between the plants? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
Upon digging up a clover plant, the student observed an average of 8
nodules on the roots of each clover plant (Nodules contain bacteria which have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates and release them into the soil.
Plants utilize nitrates to manufacture proteins.)
Upon digging up a clover plant, the student observed an average of 8
nodules on the roots of each clover plant (Nodules contain bacteria which have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrates and release them into the soil.
Plants utilize nitrates to manufacture proteins.)
2. Which of the following best describes the
ecological relationship that exists between the bacteria and the clover
plant?
2. Which of the following best describes the
ecological relationship that exists between the bacteria and the clover
plant? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
Small green aphids were sucking the juices from clover stems. Further investigation found some aphids
being eaten by an army of ants.
Small green aphids were sucking the juices from clover stems. Further investigation found some aphids
being eaten by an army of ants.
3. What type of ecological
relationship exists between the aphids and
the clover?
3. What type of ecological
relationship exists between the aphids and
the clover? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
4. What type of ecological
relationship exists between the ants and
the aphids?
4. What type of ecological
relationship exists between the ants and
the aphids? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
A considerable number of clover and wild oat plants had been cut down and partially eaten by a colony of lined
squirrels that made their home in an adjacent pasture.
A considerable number of clover and wild oat plants had been cut down and partially eaten by a colony of lined
squirrels that made their home in an adjacent pasture.
5. Which of the following describes the relationship
between the squirrels and the clover plants?
5. Which of the following describes the relationship
between the squirrels and the clover plants?
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
6. What is the ecological relationship that exists between the squirrels?
6. What is the ecological relationship that exists between the squirrels?
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
The squirrels had lice.
The squirrels had lice.
. What ecological relationship exists between the lice and
the squirrels?
. What ecological relationship exists between the lice and
the squirrels? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
Some clover plants had withered and died. A white
fungus was found on the roots and lower stems, which was identified as
root rot.
Some clover plants had withered and died. A white
fungus was found on the roots and lower stems, which was identified as
root rot.
8. Which of the following best describes the ecological
relationship between the clover plant and the fungus?
8. Which of the following best describes the ecological
relationship between the clover plant and the fungus?
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
A colony of Leaf Cutters bees was
feeding on the nectar and pollinating
flowers.
A colony of Leaf Cutters bees was
feeding on the nectar and pollinating
flowers.
9. What ecological relationship exists between the flowers
and the bees
9. What ecological relationship exists between the flowers
and the bees mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
A bee keeper was setting out a hive of
honey bees.
A bee keeper was setting out a hive of
honey bees.
10. What ecological relationship exists
between the bee keeper and the bees?
10. What ecological relationship exists
between the bee keeper and the bees? mutualism
parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
Several butterflies and moths were flitting over the field. Some could be observed landing
on flowers, others were landing on leaf axils, and the
students thought they were laying eggs.
Several butterflies and moths were flitting over the field. Some could be observed landing
on flowers, others were landing on leaf axils, and the
students thought they were laying eggs.
11. What ecological relationship exists between
the butterflies and the leaves?
11. What ecological relationship exists between
the butterflies and the leaves? mutualism
parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
Nearby, a Red Fox was dozing in the sun, contented after
his recent kill, a Jack Rabbit. Several Blue Burr
seeds were stuck in his coat.
Nearby, a Red Fox was dozing in the sun, contented after
his recent kill, a Jack Rabbit. Several Blue Burr
seeds were stuck in his coat.
12. What ecological relationship exists between the fox and
the rabbit?
12. What ecological relationship exists between the fox and
the rabbit? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
13. What is the relationship between
the seeds and the fox?
13. What is the relationship between
the seeds and the fox? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
Hundreds of soil insects were burrowing in and out of the soil, pausing to
feed on dead plant leaves. Several species of insects
were involved.
Hundreds of soil insects were burrowing in and out of the soil, pausing to
feed on dead plant leaves. Several species of insects
were involved.
14. Which of the following best describes the ecological
relationship that exists between the various species of
insects?
14. Which of the following best describes the ecological
relationship that exists between the various species of
insects? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
A Mallard hen brooded her clutch, hidden from the
watchful eyes by the dense clover foliage.
A Mallard hen brooded her clutch, hidden from the
watchful eyes by the dense clover foliage.
15. What is the ecological relationship between the hen
and the foliage?
15. What is the ecological relationship between the hen
and the foliage? mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
Prairie birds from a nearby slough picked caterpillars from
clover stems.
Prairie birds from a nearby slough picked caterpillars from
clover stems.
16. What is the ecological relationship between the
blackbirds and the caterpillars?
16. What is the ecological relationship between the
blackbirds and the caterpillars? mutualism
parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
17. What is the ecological relationship between the blackbirds
and the clover stems?
17. What is the ecological relationship between the blackbirds
and the clover stems?
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition
mutualism parasitism commensalism predation competition