Symbiotic relationship: the long-term interaction between two organisms inside an ecosystem. Categorized in tree parts, mutualism, parasitism, and commensalism (when one organism benefits while the other is not affected).
Mutualism: both organisms in the relationship benefit from it.
Two organisms that have a mutualistic relationship are the leaf cutter ants and fungus. The fungi allow the leaf cutter ants to keep their larvae inside of it protecting them from harms way as well as feeding them. The leaf cutter ants feed the fungi and protects them from other organisms as well as mold.
Parasitism: one species benefits from the relationship while the other is harmed
An example of this type of relationship is the one between the strangler fig and all trees. The strangler fig wraps itself around a tree nearby and grows both upwards and downwards. The strangler fig ends up killing the tree since it steals its sunlight that it would normally be getting as well as its root space.
Mutualism: both organisms in the relationship benefit from it.
Two organisms that have a mutualistic relationship are the leaf cutter ants and fungus. The fungi allow the leaf cutter ants to keep their larvae inside of it protecting them from harms way as well as feeding them. The leaf cutter ants feed the fungi and protects them from other organisms as well as mold.
Parasitism: one species benefits from the relationship while the other is harmed
An example of this type of relationship is the one between the strangler fig and all trees. The strangler fig wraps itself around a tree nearby and grows both upwards and downwards. The strangler fig ends up killing the tree since it steals its sunlight that it would normally be getting as well as its root space.