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Symbiotic Relationships
Mutualism: In mutualism, both the host species and the dependent species are benefited. An example of this type of
symbiotic relationship is the Plover bird and the African crocodile. The tiny plover bird acts as a toothpick for the
fierce crocodile and helps by removing tiny morsels of food that is stuck between the crocodile's teeth. These food
particles are the source of food for the bird. Another example is between the ostrich and the zebra. The ostrich
always moves with the herd of zebras since it has a poor sense of hearing and smell, whereas the zebra has very
sharp senses. The ostrich has a keen sense of sight, which the zebra lacks. These two species depend on each
other to warn one another of any dangers. Some other examples of symbiotic relationships between two or more
species are the bumble bee and the flowering plants, and the sea anemone and clown fish, etc.
Commensalism: This is a relationship between two species of organisms where one species takes advantage of the
other without hurting it. Commensalism can be observed between Egrets birds and the livestock. The Egrets are
mostly found in meadows and grasslands are always seen near cattle, horses and other livestock. These birds feed
on the insect on the animals, such as eat ticks, fleas off the back of animals. The relationship between Tigers and
Jackals is also commensalism. The Jackal alerts the Tiger to kill its prey and feeds on the remains left by the tiger.
Other examples are orchids, and mosses and trees.
Parasitism: Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where the parasite gains benefit at the expense of the host
organism. There are two forms of parasites - living in the host's body and existing on the surface. This type of
relationship can be seen mostly between human beings and parasites like head lice and mosquitoes. An example of
parasitism is seen in the case of intestinal parasites and humans, where the parasites suck all the nutrients from the
host's body but cause illness to the host. Parasites are also found in animals and plants.
Symbiotic Relationships
Mutualism: In mutualism, both the host species and the dependent species are benefited. An example of this type of
symbiotic relationship is the Plover bird and the African crocodile. The tiny plover bird acts as a toothpick for the
fierce crocodile and helps by removing tiny morsels of food that is stuck between the crocodile's teeth. These food
particles are the source of food for the bird. Another example is between the ostrich and the zebra. The ostrich
always moves with the herd of zebras since it has a poor sense of hearing and smell, whereas the zebra has very
sharp senses. The ostrich has a keen sense of sight, which the zebra lacks. These two species depend on each
other to warn one another of any dangers. Some other examples of symbiotic relationships between two or more
species are the bumble bee and the flowering plants, and the sea anemone and clown fish, etc.
Commensalism: This is a relationship between two species of organisms where one species takes advantage of the
other without hurting it. Commensalism can be observed between Egrets birds and the livestock. The Egrets are
mostly found in meadows and grasslands are always seen near cattle, horses and other livestock. These birds feed
on the insect on the animals, such as eat ticks, fleas off the back of animals. The relationship between Tigers and
Jackals is also commensalism. The Jackal alerts the Tiger to kill its prey and feeds on the remains left by the tiger.
Other examples are orchids, and mosses and trees.
Parasitism: Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where the parasite gains benefit at the expense of the host
organism. There are two forms of parasites - living in the host's body and existing on the surface. This type of
relationship can be seen mostly between human beings and parasites like head lice and mosquitoes. An example of
parasitism is seen in the case of intestinal parasites and humans, where the parasites suck all the nutrients from the
host's body but cause illness to the host. Parasites are also found in animals and plants.