What Doesn't Hurt us Makes us Useful: Symbiotic Relationships
By Owen and Andrew
The topic of symbiotic relationships was our favorite this year for a variety of reasons. We had already brushed over the topic in fifth grade, so we were prepared for what was to come. What was cool was that we remembered a rap that we had listened to in fifth grade about the differences between the three symbiotic relationships. The rap has helped us throughout the year when the topic of symbiotic relationships has come up. In 8th grade though, symbiotic relationships were explained in full detail. This time, we truly enjoyed the topic because it was presented in a more engaging way. We found it interesting that two completely unlike animals, such as an alligator and a warbler, could have such an interesting interaction. It made us look at nature in a new perspective. Our eyes were opened with all of the possibilities of interactions. We hope that you enjoy the topic as much as we have.
The Symbiotic Relationships:
Mutualism-
Mutualism starts like all symbiotic relationships; a close relationship between two different species. During this relationship, both species benefit each other. A bee and a flower is an excellent example. In this picture, the bee is pollinating the flower. The bee takes nectar from the flower, so this benefits the bee. In turn, the bee pollinates the flower, which benefits the flower. Other examples of mutualism include rhinos and oxpeckers, alligators and warblers, and clownfish and sea anemones
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Commensalism-
A shark and a remora have a special relationship. The remora swims alongside the shark, picking up scraps that the shark leaves behind. This relationship is called commensalism. Commensalism is a close relationship between two different species where one species benefits and the other id neither helped or harmed. Commensalism usually occurs to a species that is vulnerable to predation. Other examples of commensalism include snakes living in trees, a harmless vine climbing up a tree to reach sunlight, and barnacles and whales.
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Parasitism-
In this picture, the mosquito is feeding itself by sucking the blood from its victim. The mosquito benefits, while the victim is harmed. In this example of parasitism, the mosquito is the parasite, while the human is the host. This relationship is called parasitism. Parasitism is a close relationship between two different species where one benefits at the expense of the other, but doesn't usually kill the host. Other examples of parasitism include fleas, and lice.
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Summary-
Symbiotic relationships are close relationships between two different species. The different symbiotic relationships are mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. Mutualism is where both species benefit. Commensalism is where one species benefits, and the other is neither helped nor harmed, and usually happens to a species that is vulnerable to predation. Parasitism is where one benefits and the other is harmed, not killed.
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About the Authors
Owen Smith is a professional butterfly hunter who enjoys tea and cookies. He likes to play basketball. His favorite saying is swiggity swooty
Andrew Burgess is a fan of Duke University. He hopes to become a pyro technician when he grows up.
Andrew Burgess is a fan of Duke University. He hopes to become a pyro technician when he grows up.