EI - Species Interactions Lesson
Species Interactions
Biomes as different as deserts and wetlands share something essential. All biomes have populations of interacting species. Species interact in the same basic ways in all biomes. There are specific interactions that can be found no matter what ecosystem is being examined. For example, in biomes where bees and flowers are present, bees collect nectar and convert it into honey. At the same time the bee is collecting nectar it is helping to spread pollen from one flower to another. Both species benefit from this interaction, and it is essential to the survival of both of these organisms. It's interactions such as this that help create dynamic ever-changing biological systems.
Relationship Status aka Symbiosis
Species within ecosystem develop specific interactions or symbiosis. Symbiosis means living together and describes close relationships developed between species. Interactions between organisms within an ecosystem are usually long-term interactions that can be positive (+), negative (-), or neutral (0) for the individuals involved.
Symbiosis is in one of two categories:
- Obligate
- Facultative
Click through the presentation below to learn more.
Interactions between species help an ecosystem stay healthy and in balance.
There are five recognized interactions within an ecosystem which include :
- Predation
- Competition
- Parasitism
- Mutualism
- Commensalism
Let's take a deeper look.
Watch the video below.
Species Interactions Challenge
Before You Go, You Need to Know
The following key points are from this explore section of the lesson. You must know the following information before moving to the next lesson. This is just a summary of the key points.
- Symbiosis means living together and describes close relationships developed between species Symbiosis can either be obligate Symbiosis or Facultative.
- Ecological interactions help an ecosystem stay healthy.
- Ecological Interactions include
| Interaction | Species A | Species B |
| Commensalism | + | 0 |
| Mutualism | + | + |
| Predation | + | - |
| Parasitism | + | 0 could turn - |
| Competition | + | - |
IMAGES CREATED BY GAVS OR OPEN SOURCE