Symbiotic Relationships in Animals

05/12/2010 21:40

Mutualism -

A symbiotic relationship where both organisms benefit in some way.

 The Honey Bee, an insect that is found all over the world, including the chaparrals, goes from flower to flower collecting pollen. It benefits by getting pollen while the flowers benefit by getting their pollen spread to other flowers, which helps them to reproduce.

 

Commensalism -

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and the other is neither harmed nor helped.

The Red-Winged Blackbird eats the seeds of the Torrey Pine that fall to the ground. The blackbird benefits by getting food, while the Torrey Pine isn't affected in any way.

 

Parasitism -

A symbiotic relationship where one organism benefits and th other is harmed.

The Brewer's Blackbird has many parasites that live off it. The parasites benefit because they get food, but the blackbird is harmed.