Symbiosis Mini Essay free essay sample

Parasitism is a relationship, usually between two organisms in which one organism benefits greatly (the parasite) and the other is negatively affected (the host). Commensalism: A relationship existing between two organisms which results in one organism benefitting while the other is unaffected. Mutualism General Example: The Hermit Crab and Sea Anemone. Hermit Crabs have been shown to remove sea anemones and attach them to their shells. Both organisms benefit because the crabs drop food particles in the water when feeding, these food particles are then eaten by the anemones. The crab benefits because if any predator tries to attack, not only can it retract into its shell but the anemone can sting the predator which usually scares it away. Caribbean Example: Ants and Aphids. Aphids when feeding on plants secrete a sweet substance called honeydew, this honeydew is loved by ants and as a result they consume it. In exchange for the honeydew, the ants provide protection for the aphids from predators such as Ladybugs. We will write a custom essay sample on Symbiosis Mini Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Both organisms benefit equally from this relationship (2). Parasitism General Example: Tapeworm and Humans. Tapeworms are parasitic worms from the Class Platyhelminthes. This organism reaches maturity in the gut in which the tapeworm feeds on nutrient rich food which the human has eaten. Mature proglottids of the tapeworm separate from the adult and are expelled in the feces. These feces may be eaten by herbivorous animals such as sheep or cattle which then become infected and pass the tapeworms along if their meat is improperly prepared. Tapeworms can also pass on a variety of illnesses e. . blindness, pain and inflammation. Caribbean example: Parasitic Dodder Vines and Golden apple tree: Dodder vines can attach themselves to a wide variety of plants and use its parasitic connections called haustoria to gain access to the plants vascular system. This essentially robs the host plant of food it has produced and in many cases can lead to the death of the host. Commensalism General Example: Shark and Remora. Remoras are small fish which can att ach themselves to a shark’s skin via a disc on its head. When the shark hunts the remora would detach itself and eat scraps which float by, by this method the remora benefits because it is allowed to feed but the shark is unaffected by the remora’s attachment. Caribbean Example: Human beings and Egrets: Usually before planting a crop the field must be ploughed and this is done in more recent times using heavy machinery, namely a tractor. As a result of the soil being turned over many insects and worms can be exposed and the Egret takes advantage of this. Usually wherever there is soil being ploughed many egrets can be found feeding, sometimes even an entire flock of them.