The Living World: Ecosystem Structure: Interaction Among Species
Symbiosis - Any intimate relationship or association between members of two or more species; includes mutalism, commensalism, and parasitism.
Coevolution - The interdependent evolution of two interacting species.
Mutualism - A symbiotic relationship in which both partners benefit.
Commensalism - A type of symbiosis in which one organism benefits and the other one is neither harmed nor helped.
Parasitism - A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is adversely.
Predation - The consumption of one species (the prey) by another (the predator).
Coevolution - The interdependent evolution of two interacting species.
Mutualism - A symbiotic relationship in which both partners benefit.
Commensalism - A type of symbiosis in which one organism benefits and the other one is neither harmed nor helped.
Parasitism - A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is adversely.
Predation - The consumption of one species (the prey) by another (the predator).
Symbionts are partners of a symbiotic relationship who either benefit, become harmed, or unaffected by the relationship. Coevolution creates symbioisis. For example, flowering plants and their animal pollinators have a symbiotic relationship who represent coevolution. Animal pollinators have coevolved body parts and behaviors that help aid pollination and obtain nectar as a reward.
An example of mutualism is the association of reef-building coral animals and microscopic algae. The algae provides the animal with carbon and nitrogen compounds.
An example of commensalism, the epiphytes are small plants that grow attached to the branches and trunks of larger trees; benefiting them and not affecting the tree.
A tick on a dog, or any animal or human, is an example of parasitism because the tick benefits from nourishment from another organism. The parasite can cause harm to the other organism by disease and sometimes death, which is know as a pathogen.
Predation, where predators kill and feed on another organism, is described by carniovore-herbivore interactions and herbivore-producer interactions. Prey species often evolve in some sort of way that lessens their chances of being captured.
Adaptions related to predator-prey interactions consist of predator strategies known as pursuit and ambash (any trait that increases hunting efficiency) and prey strategies known as plant and animal defenses. Plant defenses include their protection such as thorns. tough leaves and chemicals. Animal defenses include coloration, flight, harsh skin or anything that could cause harm if one got too close, for example: a porcupine.
Adaptions related to predator-prey interactions consist of predator strategies known as pursuit and ambash (any trait that increases hunting efficiency) and prey strategies known as plant and animal defenses. Plant defenses include their protection such as thorns. tough leaves and chemicals. Animal defenses include coloration, flight, harsh skin or anything that could cause harm if one got too close, for example: a porcupine.
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