5- Symbiosis

Biodiversity

• Definition: The variety of life in the world or in a particular habitat or ecosystem.

• Key Components:

  • Interspecific Interactions: Interactions between different species that can affect each species' survival and reproduction.

  • Symbiosis: A close ecological relationship between two species.

Ecosystem Composition

• Abiotic Factors: Non-living chemical and physical parts of the environment that affect living organisms. Examples include:

  • Altitude

  • Latitude

  • Geology

  • Soil type

  • Climate

  • Light levels

• Biotic Factors: Living components of an ecosystem, especially the interactions among populations of species.

Species Interactions

• Diversity in Species: The variety of species contributes to the diversity of interspecific interactions in ecosystems.

Biotic Diversity of Interactions

• Definition of Interspecific Interactions:

  • Interactions between species.

  • Organisms rely on other species for survival or benefit.

  • Each species plays a specific role, impacting the success of others.

Types of Interspecific Interactions

1. Food Supply

   • Example: Female mosquitoes consume blood for reproduction.

   • Example: Amoebas engulfing protists.

2. Protection

   • Sea Anemones and Clownfish: Clownfish are immune to anemone toxins, using them for shelter.

   • Pearlfish and Sea Cucumbers: Pearl fish seek refuge inside sea cucumbers.

3. Transportation

   • Burdocks: Hooked spines attach to animals' fur for seed dispersal.

   • Barnacles on Whales: Barnacles benefit by adhering to moving whales to travel.

4. Reproduction

   • Many plants require assistance from other species for pollen dispersal.

5. Hygiene

   • Pilot Fish and Sharks: Pilot fish clean food debris from sharks' mouths, preventing parasites.

   • Egyptian Plover: Cleans crocodile teeth by eating leftover scraps.

6. Digestion

   • Rumen: Contains microorganisms aiding in grass breakdown.

   • Termites: Have bacteria that digest wood, allowing them to extract nutrients.

Symbiosis

• Definition: A close ecological association between species.

Types of Symbiotic Relationships

• 1. Predation: One species consumes another. Benefits the predator, harms the prey.

• 2. Herbivory: Organisms consume plants. Benefits the herbivore, harms the plant.

• 3. Parasitism: A parasite lives in or on a host, benefiting while harming the host.

• 4. Mutualism: Both species benefit from the relationship.

• 5. Commensalism: One species benefits, the other is not affected.

Symbiotic Associations

• Ectosymbiosis: One organism lives on the surface of another.

  • Example: Barnacles on whales.

• Endosymbiosis: One organism lives within the tissues of another.

  • Example: Microorganisms in the rumen of ruminants.

Summary of Interactions