Species Interactions
Symbiosis
- textbook’s definition: interaction of two species in more or less permanent relationships; comprise below categories
- instructor’s definition: permanent relationship between two species for the benefit of both; either cannot exist alone(e.g. lichens; mycorrhizae; root nodules; corals; leave-cutter ants & fungus)
Mutualism: interaction between to species for the benefit of both, but species could exist independently as well(e.g. ants & acacias: plants nourish ants, ants cut away other plant’s leaves in the tropical forest so that host plant receives more light, is not overgrown)
Commensalism: interaction between to species for the benefit of one species but no harm to the other species(e.g. epiphytes; barnacles on whale skin; sea anemone/fish)
Parasitism: interaction between to species for the benefit of one species and the detriment of the other species