Animal Symbiosis and Species Interactions

These flashcards cover key concepts related to animal symbiosis and species interactions, helping to review definitions and examples from the lecture notes.

Symbiosis

A persistent and intimate association between two or more unrelated organisms.

Mutualism

A type of symbiotic interaction where both organisms benefit (+/+).

Commensalism

A type of symbiotic interaction where one organism benefits while the other is unaffected (+0).

Parasitism

A type of symbiotic interaction where one organism benefits at the expense of the other (+-).

Endosymbiosis

A form of obligate mutualism where a symbiotic partner lives within the host.

Horizontal Transmission

Acquisition of mutualistic symbionts from the environment.

Vertical Transmission

Acquisition of mutualistic symbionts from the mother.

Major Functions of Mutualism

Includes nutrition, defense, communication, and dispersal.

Bioluminescence

Luminous organisms, such as certain bacteria, provide light within their host.

Coral Reef Bleaching

A disruption of mutualistic interactions leading to the death of symbiotic organisms.

Parasitoid

An organism that has a larval stage within a host that it ultimately kills.

Competition

The struggle between species for limited resources.