Understanding Symbiosis in Biology

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Questions and Answers

What is the purpose of the isopod replacing a fish's tongue?

To protect the fish from predators

To eventually kill the fish

To act as a living prosthetic tongue (correct)

To help the fish eat more efficiently

How does the Braconid wasp harm the tomato hornworm caterpillar?

By providing additional nutrients to the caterpillar

By forming a symbiotic relationship with the caterpillar

By feeding on the insides of the caterpillar (correct)

By laying eggs in the caterpillar to protect it

What is the role of tapeworms in infected organisms?

Helping the host digest food efficiently

Feeding on the host's digested food or depriving the host of nutrients (correct)

Absorbing excess nutrients from the host

Protecting the host from external threats

In mutualism, how do both species interact?

One species benefits while the other is unaffected Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a caterpillar infected by Braconid wasps as they mature?

The caterpillar dies as its insides are digested by the wasps Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary benefit for a flower in its interaction with bees?

Obtaining nectar for energy Signup and view all the answers

How does the whale benefit from its interaction with barnacles?

By being unaffected by the barnacles' presence Signup and view all the answers

How does a tapeworm obtain its food inside a host organism?

It eats the host's partially digested food. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to a fish once its tongue is replaced by an isopod?

The fish dies due to lack of nutrients. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Braconid wasp do to the tomato hornworm caterpillar?

Lay eggs inside it and feed on its insides Signup and view all the answers

How does a tapeworm obtain nutrients inside a host organism?

By feeding on the host's partially digested food Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome for a fish after having its tongue replaced by an isopod?

It continues to eat but gets deprived of nutrients Signup and view all the answers

In the interaction between a whale and barnacles, what benefit do barnacles receive?

They get food while attached to the whale Signup and view all the answers

How does the isopod benefit from replacing a fish's tongue?

It feeds on the fish's blood and steals some of its food Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary relationship between bees and flowers?

Flowers benefit from bees' pollen transport Signup and view all the answers

How does a tapeworm affect its host organism?

It deprives the host of nutrients by feeding on its digested food Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes mutualism from commensalism?

In mutualism, both species benefit, whereas in commensalism only one does Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Symbiosis

Symbiosis is an interaction between two different species where at least one organism benefits.
It occurs when organisms occupy the same space, compete for resources, or interact with each other.

Endo vs Ecto Symbiosis

Endosymbiosis: a smaller organism lives within the cells, tissues, or structures inside a host organism's body.
- Example: microorganisms in termites' gut help digest wood.
Ectosymbiosis: one organism lives on the surface of another.
- Examples: barnacles on humpback whales, European mistletoe on trees.

Types of Symbiotic Relationships

Mutualism

Both organisms benefit.
Each organism provides needed resources to the other, such as food, shelter, locomotion, or protection.
Examples:
- Pistol shrimp and goby: shrimp digs burrow, goby guards entrance.
- Nile crocodile and Egyptian plover: plover cleans crocodile's teeth.
- Clownfish and sea anemone: clownfish eats leftover food, anemone provides protection.

Commensalism

One organism benefits, the other is not affected.
Examples:
- Cattle egrets and cows: egrets catch insects stirred up by cows.
- Imperial shrimp and sea cucumber: shrimp gets transportation and protection.
- Shark and remora fish: remora gets transportation, protection, and food scraps.

Parasitism

One organism benefits, the other is harmed.
Examples:
- Cymothoa exigua (tongue-eating isopod) and fish: isopod attaches to fish's tongue, sucks blood, and replaces the tongue.
- Braconid wasps and tomato hornworm: wasps lay eggs inside hornworm, feed on its insides, and kill it.
- Tapeworms and infected organisms: tapeworms attach to intestines, feed on partially digested food, and deprive host of nutrients.

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Description

Explore the concept of symbiosis in biology, where different species interact in various ways. Learn about the endosymbiosis and ectosymbiosis relationships and how they contribute to the ecosystem.