Symbiosis

Ecosystems Unit, May 11th 2007

Symbiosis

*Symbiosis is a close relationship between two species where at least one species benefits.

*3 types of symbiosis:

1) *Commensalism:

A relationship where one organism benefits while the other is not affected.

E.g. Clown Fish and Sea Anemone

The clown fish gets: safety by living

among the anemone’s poisonous tentacles.

Food scraps left over from the anemone’s dinner.

The anemone is not affected by the clownfish.

Human video

E.g. Orchid plant and a Tree

The orchid grows high up on the tree trunk and gets:– Safety from ground

predators– Moisture and water

from rain dripping down the tree’s branches

The tree is unaffected by the orchid

2) *Mutualism:

A relationship that benefits both species.

E.g. Humans and Dogs

Humans get companionship, protection, loyalty and love

Dogs get shelter, food and love

E.g. Moray Eel and Cleaner Fish

Moray eel gets its mouth cleaned of parasites

Cleaner Fish gets a meal!

E.g. Fungus and Leaf Cutter Ants

Ants cut leaves and grow “fungus farms” on them to eat the fungus

Fungus gets the perfect environment in which to grow!

E.g. Flowers and Honey Bees

Flowers get pollinated by insects

Bees get nectar to make honey

3) *Parasitism

A relationship where one organism benefits (the parasite) while the other organism is harmed but not killed (the host).

E.g. Fleas, ticks, mites, & lice that feed off the blood of other animals

Fleas, ticks, mites and lice feed off the blood of their hosts.

The host is weakened but not killed.

E.g. Tapeworms

•Long parasitic worm with a head that attaches to the gut of its host.

•Eggs are produced in segments that fall off and are excreted in the animals’ feces.

Tapeworm Life Cycle

E.g. Elephantiasis

A rare disorder caused by parasitic worms that get into the body via mosquitoes.

Results in inflammation of the lymphatic vessels that cause extreme enlargement of the affected area (a limb or parts of the head and torso)

Common in tropical regions, especially parts of Africa.

Wuchereria Bancrofti

Guinea Worm

Bot fly Parasite

The Bot fly is a hairy looking fly that resembles a bumblebee

The larvae penetrate into the skin of the host where it matures

Bot fly continued…

The larvae form a large and painful lesion as it matures

It creates a hole in your skin to allow it to breath

Once mature, it breaks through the skin and turns into an adult fly

Other parasites

Video – zombie snails Video – ants and liver flukes Video - malaria