Symbiotic Relationships: Nature's Partnerships PDF

Symbiotic Relationships: Nature's Partnerships Prepared by: Shaira Jane V. Alcantara Course Facilitator  Introduction to Symbiosis Symbiosis: long-term interactions between different species Three main types: Mutualism, Co...

Symbiotic Relationships: Nature's Partnerships Prepared by: Shaira Jane V. Alcantara Course Facilitator  Introduction to Symbiosis Symbiosis: long-term interactions between different species Three main types: Mutualism, Commensalism, Parasitism Essential for ecosystem balance and biodiversity Can you think of any examples of symbiosis you've observed in nature? Mutualism: Win-Win Relationships Both species benefit from the interaction Examples: bees and flowers, clownfish and sea anemones Promotes survival and reproduction for both partners How might mutualistic relationships evolve over time?  Commensalism: One Benefits, One Unaffected One species benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed Examples: remora fish and sharks, cattle egrets and livestock Can provide food, shelter, or transportation for the benefiting species Why do you think commensalism is less common than other forms of symbiosis?  Parasitism: One Benefits, One Harmed One species (parasite) benefits at the expense of the other (host) Examples: ticks on mammals, tapeworms in intestines Can lead to reduced fitness or death of the host How do you think parasites and hosts engage in evolutionary "arms races"? Symbiosis in Plant-Fungal Relationships Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots Fungi provide nutrients and water to plants Plants supply carbohydrates to fungi What might happen to forest ecosystems without these relationships?  Obligate vs. Facultative Symbiosis Obligate: species cannot survive without the symbiotic relationship Facultative: species can survive independently but benefit from symbiosis Examples: lichens (obligate), cleaner fish (facultative) Can you think of advantages and disadvantages of each type? Symbiosis and Evolution Symbiotic relationships can drive evolutionary change May lead to co-evolution of species Can result in new species or extinction How might climate change affect symbiotic relationships? Symbiosis in Human Health Humans have symbiotic relationships with microorganisms Gut microbiome aids in digestion and immune function Some symbiotes can become pathogenic under certain conditions How might understanding symbiosis improve medical treatments?  Ecological Importance of Symbiosis Maintains biodiversity and ecosystem stability Enables species to occupy new niches Influences nutrient cycling and energy flow Can you describe how symbiosis might affect food webs?  Comparing Symbiotic Relationships Mutualism: (+/+) Both benefit Commensalism: (+/0) One benefits, one unaffected Parasitism: (+/-) One benefits, one harmed Some relationships can shift between types depending on conditions Consider: How might climate change affect these symbiotic relationships?  Conclusion: The Web of Life Symbiosis highlights the interconnectedness of ecosystems Demonstrates the complexity and balance of nature Crucial for understanding and preserving biodiversity How might studying symbiosis help us address environmental challenges? What is Competition in Ecology? Competition occurs when organisms vie for limited resources Can happen between members of the same or different species Resources often include food, water, space, or mates How might competition shape ecosystems over time? Interspecific Competition: The Battle Between Species Occurs between members of different species Example: Lions and hyenas competing for prey on the savanna Can lead to exclusion of one species from a habitat How might interspecific competition drive evolution?  Intraspecific Competition: Rivalry Within a Species Takes place between members of the same species Example: Male deer competing for mates during rutting season Often more intense due to identical resource needs Can you think of examples of intraspecific competition in human society?  Comparing the Two Types of Competition Interspecific: Between species; can lead to niche differentiation Intraspecific: Within species; can regulate population size Both types can influence natural selection and evolution Which type do you think has a greater impact on ecosystems?  Ecological Consequences of Competition Competition shapes community structure and biodiversity Can lead to adaptations, specializations, or extinctions Influences resource partitioning and species distributions How might understanding competition help in conservation efforts?  What is Predation? Predation: when one organism (predator) kills and eats another (prey) A fundamental ecological interaction shaping ecosystems Involves various strategies: pursuit, ambush, trapping, etc. Can you think of examples of predator-prey relationships in your local ecosystem? Types of Predators Carnivores: meat-eaters (e.g., lions, sharks) Herbivores: plant-eaters (e.g., deer, caterpillars) Omnivores: eat both plants and animals (e.g., bears, humans) Parasites: live on or in a host, gradually consuming it How might the strategies of these predator types differ?  Natural Selection in Predator-Prey Relationships Survival of the fittest: better- adapted individuals are more likely to survive and reproduce Predators evolve to be more efficient hunters Prey evolve to better avoid or defend against predators This ongoing process is often called an "evolutionary arms race" Can you imagine how this might play out over millions of years?  Predator Adaptations Enhanced sensory abilities (e.g., night vision, acute hearing) Physical attributes (e.g., sharp claws, powerful jaws) Speed and agility for pursuit Camouflage for ambush predators Venom or poison for subduing prey Which of these adaptations do you find most interesting, and why? Prey Adaptations Camouflage to avoid detection Physical defenses (e.g., shells, spines) Chemical defenses (e.g., toxic secretions) Speed and agility for escape Group living for increased vigilance and confusion of predators How might these adaptations vary in different environments?  Coevolution in Predator-Prey Systems Coevolution: reciprocal evolutionary change in interacting species Predators and prey evolve in response to each other Can lead to highly specialized relationships Example: Cheetahs and gazelles both evolving for speed How might coevolution contribute to biodiversity?  Ecological Implications of Predation Regulates prey populations, preventing overgrazing Influences prey behavior and habitat use Affects evolution of both predator and prey species Maintains biodiversity and ecosystem balance How might removing a top predator from an ecosystem impact the entire food web?  What is Ecological Succession? The process by which ecosystems change and develop over time Occurs after a disturbance or in newly created environments Involves gradual changes in species composition Can you think of any areas near you that might be undergoing succession? Primary vs. Secondary Succession Primary: occurs in areas with no prior ecosystem (e.g., new volcanic islands) Secondary: occurs after disturbance to existing ecosystem (e.g., forest fire) Primary starts with bare rock, secondary with some organic matter How might the speed of these two types of succession differ?  Stages of Succession Pioneer species: first to colonize, often lichens or mosses Early successional species: grasses, small plants Mid-successional species: shrubs, small trees Climax community: stable, mature ecosystem What factors might influence how long each stage lasts?  Examples of Succession in Action Glacial retreat: exposing new land for colonization Old field succession: farmland reverting to forest Sand dune formation: from bare sand to diverse plant communities Can you describe how the species might change over time in one of these examples? Human Impacts on Succession We can accelerate succession through restoration projects Human activities can also reset or alter successional pathways Understanding succession is crucial for conservation and land management How might climate change affect successional processes in various ecosystems?