Symbiosis

Mutualism

 Mutualism is a close relationship between two organisms where both benefit. For example, the sea anemone and
clownfish.
 The anemone protects the clownfish by concealing it within its poisonous arms, as well as leaving scraps of its meals for
the clownfish to consume.
 In return, the clownfish rids the anemone of parasites, wards away predators, and even offers nutrients by way of its
excrement.
 Commensalism

 Commensalism is a relationship between two

organisms in which one benefits from the other
without causing harm to it. The commensal organism
obtains food, shelter, locomotion, or support.
Commensalism can either be a brief interaction or a
lifelong symbiosis.
Commensalism cont’d

 An example of commensalism is the relationship between Orchids and trees. Orchids grow
on the branches of the tree in order to get sunlight, while the tree is neither affected nor
irritated by its presence.
Parasitism

 A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits (the parasites) while the other is
harmed (the host). For example ticks suck the blood from dogs so ticks are parasites and
dogs are the hosts.