Dec 1, 2008

Class response- Symbiosis

In class we have been learning about symbiosis and symbiotic relationships. Symbiosis is a close relationship between two organisms in which one organism livers near, on or even inside another organism and in which at least one organism benefits. The three types of symbiotic relationships are: commensalism, mutualism and parasitism.
Commensalism is a reltionship in which one organism benefits while other is not harmed. An example of commensalism is the relationship between a bird and a tree because a bird uses a tree as a home for it's nest and the tree doesn't benefit or get harmed.
Mutualism is a form of symbiosis in which both organisms benefit. An example of
mutualism is the relationship between a dog and a human because the human provides the dog shelter and food and in return the dog gives the human love and companionship. This is a good example because both the organisms benefit.
Parasitism is a form of symbiosis in which one organism benefits but the other one is harmed. An example of of parasitism is the relationship between lice and humans because one organism, the human, is harmed while the organism, the lice, benefits because it drinks the blood of the human.