Question

elements of any ecological system live in an intricate web of interdependence. when two species of organisms live in close association with each other, their relationship is called \symbiotic.\ in a symbiotic relationship, at least one of the organisms directly benefits from its close association with the other organism. there are three major forms of symbiotic relationships: commensalisms, mutualism, and parasitism.

define the following terms:

1. commensalism -
2. mutualism -
3. parasitism -

procedure:

working in pairs, decide who each organism forms a symbiotic relationship with. you will need to cut and paste the matching organisms and descriptions into the given chart. then, identify the type of symbiotic relationship it is by circling the correct answer.

you will want to check your answers with me before pasting!!!!

organism matching organism description relationship
gazelle commensalism
mutualism
parasitism
cuckoo commensalism
mutualism
parasitism
yucca commensalism
mutualism
parasitism

Explanation:

1. Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed.
2. Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit.
3. Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship where one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host).

For the organisms:

• Gazelle: Without a given matching organism, it's hard to determine the relationship. But if considering some common scenarios like birds that eat insects off a gazelle, it could be mutualism (birds get food, gazelle gets pest - removal).
• Cuckoo: Cuckoos lay their eggs in other birds' nests. The cuckoo benefits as its offspring are raised by the host bird, while the host bird is harmed. So it's parasitism.
• Yucca: Yucca plants have a mutualistic relationship with yucca moths. The moths pollinate the yucca flowers and lay their eggs in the flowers. The yucca benefits from pollination and the moths' larvae have a food source in the yucca seeds.

Answer:

1. Commensalism - A symbiotic relationship in which one organism benefits and the other is unaffected.
2. Mutualism - A symbiotic relationship in which both organisms benefit.
3. Parasitism - A symbiotic relationship in which one organism (the parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (the host).

Gazelle: (Depends on matching organism, example: If with pest - removing birds, Mutualism)
Cuckoo: Parasitism
Yucca: Mutualism