ESS Unit 2

Biological Interactions
Symbiosis – individuals living on or in individuals of another species
where one or both species use the others resources and includes
mutualism, commensalism and parasitism.
Mutualism: A symbiotic relationship in which both partners benefit,
e.g. the N-fixing bacteria Rhizobium and legumes (plants such as
peas and beans).
Commensalism: A symbiotic relationship in which one organism
benefits and the other one is neither harmed nor helped, e.g.
epiphytic orchids growing on the bark of a tropical tree.
TASK: Below each picture, name the type of reaction and, if possible the organisms involved.
Parasitism: A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits
and the other is adversely affected, e.g. a tapeworm living in the gut
of a pig.
Predation: The consumption of one species (the prey) by another
(the predator).
Herbivory: The consumption of a plant species by an animal
(herbivore).
Competition: The interaction among organisms that vie for the
same resources (such as food or living space) in an ecosystem.
Decomposer: Feeds on dead and decaying material, thus recycling
the nutrients.

1 4

2 3

Interaction: Interaction: Interaction: Interaction:

Organisms: Organisms: Organisms: Organisms:

5 6 7

Interaction: Interaction: Interaction: Interaction:

Organisms: Organisms: Organisms: Organisms:

11 12

9
10

Interaction: Interaction: Interaction: Interaction:

Organisms: Organisms: Organisms: Organisms:

13 14 15

16

Interaction: Interaction: Interaction: Interaction:

Organisms: Organisms: Organisms: Organisms:
ESS Unit 2

Sources and Answers

Picture Web Site (all downloaded 26.7.09) Interaction Organism

No.

1 Raven & Berg Instructor Resources Epiphyte Bromeliads, ferns,

orchids on trees

2 Raven & Berg Instructor Resources Parasite Mites in honeybee

trachea

3 Raven & Berg Instructor Resources Predation Day gecko & spider

4 http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/cheetah-speed-2.jpg Predation Cheetah & Gazelle

5 http://www.medical-look.com/diseases_images/tapeworm.jpg Parasitism Tapeworm, Pig, Human

6 http://www.sheppardsoftware.com/content/animals/images/mammals/giraffe_feeding.jpg Herbivory Giraffe & acacia tree

7 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Wolves_Kill.jpg/500px- Competition Wolves

Wolves_Kill.jpg

8 http://www.newscientist.com/data/images/ns/cms/dn7041/dn7041-1_745.jpg Decomposer / Termite & protozoans &

Mutualistic wood

9 http://besgroup.talfrynature.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/1112.jpg Competition Brahminy kites

10 http://wpcontent.answers.com/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d4/Fungi_in_Borneo.jpg/300px- Decomposer Bracket fungus & wood

Fungi_in_Borneo.jpg

11 http://www.edupic.net/Images/Other_Inverts/isopod239.jpg Decomposer Woodlouse on wood

12 http://www.ke6fas.com/pictures/Chitactac/CIMG2070.JPG Epiphytic Lichen on tree

13 http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/images/cc_nick_hopgood.jpg Mutualistic Zooxanthellae (algae)

and coral polyps

14 http://botit.botany.wisc.edu/images/332/Lichens/Foliose_lichen_130_d.gif Mutualistic Lichen – fungus & algae

15 http://www.pkc.ac.th/science/picture/rhizobium-nodule-1.jpg Mutualistic Rhizobium root nodules

on legume

16 http://www.dkimages.com/discover/previews/841/20490669.JPG Mutualistic Acacia & Ants