Ecological Interactions

Symbiosis is a close ecological relationship

between the individuals of two (or

more) different species that dwell

together.

Symbiotic Relationships

ParasitismOne benefits the other is harmed

Mutualism Both benefit

CommensalismOne benefits the other is unaffected

Symbiotic Relationships

NeutralismBoth are unaffected

CompetitionNeither benefits

PredationOne benefits and the other dies

The clownfish is covered in a slimy substance that protects it from the sea anemone’s sting.

The fish receives protection from predators.

The sea anemone receives improved water circulation.

Cowbirds eat flies off and around cows.

The birds get food, and the cows receive fewer bug bites.

Barnacles are filter feeders that receive water circulation while attached to the whale. The whale is neither helped nor harmed.

The remora is able to eat the scraps of food left by the shark. The shark is neither helped nor harmed.

A parasitic wasp lays its eggs on a caterpillar. The larvae hatch and gain nutrition from the living body of the caterpillar.

Guinea worm is a parasite that is contracted by drinking contaminated water. The parasite lays its eggs inside the human. They require a year to mature, when the worm burrows its way out of the body, usually in the lower extremities.

Neither population in an ecosystem affects the other.

Members of the same species, or species with overlapping niches compete for resources such as food, water, and nesting sites