Name: ______________________
Period______
This exercise will help you distinguish between the three types of symbiotic relationships. First, define each type of symbiotic relationship. Then, in the space provided, indicate whether each of the following symbiotic relationships is an example of mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism. Finally, explain your reasoning.
Mutualism –
Commensalism –
Parasitism –
1. Cattle egrets, a species of bird, often forage in fields among cattle. As the cattle graze in the field, they kick up insects, allowing the egrets to feed more easily. The cattle are completely unaffected by the egrets.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
2. Clownfish have a very close association with sea anemones. The clownfish live within the sea anemones venomous tentacles. This symbiotic relationship provides the clownfish protection from predators while the clownfish help to attract prey for the sea anemone, as well as helping to keep it clean.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
3. A special type of algae, called zooxanthellae, lives within many types of coral. The algae conducts photosynthesis, thereby providing the coral with food.The coral provides a safe place for the algae to live.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
4. Within the ocean, barnacles attach to the outside of crab shells. With this type of symbiotic relationship, the barnacles receive a place to live, while the crab is not affected.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
5. Plants grow flowers which produce nectar and bees use this nectar for food. When bees consume nectar from the plant’s flowers they also unknowling pick up pollen. The bees help to spread the pollen to other flowers, allowing the plants to reproduce.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
6. Dutch elm disease is caused by a fungus that attacks elm trees, growing and feeding on the tree. Unfortunately, the elm tree is often severely affected by the disease.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
7. Orchids are a unique type of plant that grows on tree branches. The orchids receive light more easily by growing on the tree, and their roots also get water from the tree. The tree is not affected by the orchids.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
8. Several species of small mites can live on your skin. The mites eat dead skin cells, helping to slough these unwanted skin cells from your body. You don’t even notice the mites.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
9. Lichens are composed of a symbiotic relationship between fungi and an algae. The algae makes food by conducting photosynthesis. The fungi absorb water and minerals from the environment. The food, water, and minerals are used by both the fungi and algae.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation:
10. Tapeworms live in the intestines of mammals and absorb nutrients from the food the mammals eat. Because of the tapeworms, the mammals often do not get enough nutrients.
Type of symbiotic relationship: _____________________
Explanation: