Symbiotic+Relationships

A symbiotic relationship is an interaction between two species in which one lives in or on another. There are three main types of symbiotic relationships: **mutualism**, **commensalism**, and **parasitism**.

A mutualistic relationship is one in which both organisms benefit from the relationship. For example, Pseudomyrmex ants live in an acacia tree's thorns. The tree also provides food for the ants in the form of sugar and proteins. In return for this food and shelter, the ants defend the tree with it's stingers. They sting other herbivores that try to eat the tree, and they also will clip surrounding trees to make sure that the tree will survive. Another interesting thing about this relationship is that not only do both parties benefit from this relationship, but they need it. When the ants are removed, the tree usually dies because it is eaten by herbivores.

A commensalistic relationship is one in which one organism profits from the relationship, but the other remains unaffected. An example of this is would be a mite that attaches itself to a damsel fly for transportation. In this example, the mite is transported, and profits, but the damsel fly is not affected by the presence of the mite.

A parasitic relationship is one in which one organism benefits at the other's expense. The one benefiting is called a parasite, and the one who is harmed is called the host. For example, Cestodes, or tapeworms, infect the digestive tract of humans and feed on the human's food. They can have extremely dangerous effects on the human, ranging from abdominal pain to seizures, depending on the type of worm that the human has. In this example, the worm is the parasite, and the human is the host.


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 * AIDS** (auto immune difficency syndrome)

Participants: HIV and a Human/Monkey

Relationship: Parasitic

Benefits:

HIV-Positively Benefited • obtains space and means for reproduction

Primate-Negatively Benefited • Immune system is weakened


 * Liver Fluke**

Participants: Cow, Snail, Ant, Fluke

Relationship: Fluke has a parasitic one with every other participant Cow has a parasitic one with Ant, and a commensalistic one with snails

Benefits:

Fluke- Positively Benefited obtains space and means for reproduction

Cow-Negatively Benefited Liver is disturbed and doesn't perform as well

Snail-Negatively Benefited Gut is drilled through and Glands are invaded

Ant-Negatively Benefited Gets consumed by the cow


 * Plant Root Nodules**

Participants: Plant, Bacteria

Relationship: Bacteria inside of plant roots convert atmospheric N2 to NO3- ions (nitrates) and NH4+ ions (ammonium) for the plants to use.

Plant-Positively Benefited It is given Nitrogen in a form that it can use

Bacteria-Positively Benefited The bacteria absorb nutrients from the plants and are given a place to live