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Symbiotic Relationships

Author: Nathan Lampson

 

When two organisms of different species live closely together, the relationship is known as a symbiotic relationship.

 

Mutualism

In a mutualistic relationship, both organisms living closely together benefit from one another.

 

Example:

Bees transport the pollen from flower to flower aiding in plant reproduction, while the flower provides nectar for the bee as a source of food.

 

Commensalism

In a relationship of commensalism, one of the organisms benefits, while the other organism is unaffected.

 

Example:

The moss growing on trees benefits from the location on a tree trunk, but the tree is unaffected.

 

Parasitism

In a relationship of parasitism, one organism benefits, while another organism is harmed.

 

Example:

When a leech takes blood from a human, the leech benefits and the human is harmed.

Symbiotic Relationships