Community Interactions and Symbiosis
Interactions within community
Below are example of interspecific competition. In these examples resources are shared (or partitioned) based on each species particular adaptations. Both barnacles species have the potential to occupy the enitre rock side (fundamental niche) however the smaller barnacles are better adapted to deal with the rise and fall of the tides and occupy the upper half (realized niche). Similarly each root type can abosrb nutrients at any soil depth, however each root type will utilize the areas they can reach.
Predation Defence
The monarch butterfly has developped a way to use a plant toxin to make itself unpalattable by predators. This Bluejay releases the butterfly after tasting the poison.
This octopus defends against predation by giving predators visual warnings of chemical defense.The fluorescent blue rings of the worlds only known lethal octopus, Haplichlaena maculosa, warns potential predators of danger.
An example of Batesian mimicry. The butterfly on the far left is a monarch butterfly which is unpalatable by birds. The Viceroy butterfly to the left mimics the Monarchs pattern in an attemp to fool potential predators and avoid predation.
Symbiosis
Symbiosis is a relationship in which individuals of different species live and interact in close proximity to each other. Symbiosis means "living together".
Commensalism
Commensalistic relationships are those where one species benefits and the other is unaffected. The types of relationships are difficult to classify and some biologist argue they do not exists at all.
The remora does not need to expend much energy when "hitching a ride" from this tiger shark. Remora has suction discs on the top of it's head that allows it to attach itself to the shark. The remora also gets a free meal from shark scraps.
Commensalism - Ants Defend Tree
Mutualism
In a mutualistic relationship both organisms benefit from their interaction. There are many examples of mutualism in nature such as those described below.
These oxpecker birds feast on a meal of parasites and keeping the impala clean and parasite free.
Mutualism - Goby and Shrimp
Parasitism
In a parasitic relationship one of the species live and feeds on the bodies of other living organisms. These organism cannot complete their life cyle in abscence of their host.
Parasitism - Ants and Fungus
Interactive Quiz
Students can access the site and complete an Interactive quiz for self assessment and
study
Students can access the site and complete an Interactive quiz for self assessment and
study