What is a symbiotic relationship?
A symbiotic relationship is an ecological relationship between organisms of two different species that live together in direct and intimate contact.
There are three types of symbiotic relationships:
There are three types of symbiotic relationships:
- Parasitism - a relationship in which one organism benefits at the expense of another by living either within or on the host
- Mutualism - a relationship in which both of the participants benefit
- Commensalism - a relationship in which one organism benefits but the other is neither helped nor harmed
What symbiotic relationships can be found in a deciduous forest?
Parasitism occurs between fungi and a tree. Fungi grows on trees and takes nutrients away from the tree, making it weaker. In this relationship, fungi benefits because it gains nutrients and the tree is harmed.
Mutualism occurs between bees and flowers in a deciduous forest. When bees pollinate flowers they benefit because they get food. The flowers also benefit because the bees carry their pollen, helping them to reproduce.
Commensalism occurs between birds and trees or squirrels and trees. Birds and squirrels benefit by making nests in trees and having safe homes to live in. The trees are not helped nor harmed in the relationship.