University:
Acadia University
Course:
BIOL 2663 | Marine Biology
Academic year:

2024
Views:

165

Pages:

4
Author:

Nabila N.

Symbiosis: The Intricate Dance of Life Symbiosis is a fascinating biological phenomenon where two different organisms live in close and often long-term relationships. This presentation explores the different types of symbiosis, highlighting the intricate connections that shape life on Earth What is Symbiosis? Symbiosis describes the interactions between different species that live together in close proximity. These relationships can be beneficial, harmful, or neutral for the organisms involved. Symbiosis plays a crucial role in shaping ecosystems by influencing the abundance, distribution, and evolution of species. This presentation delves into the different types of symbiotic relationships, exploring their impact on life. The Three Main Types of Symbiotic Relationships Mutualism A relationship where both organisms benefit. Commensalism One organism benefits, while the other is unaffected. Parasitism One organism benefits at the expense of the other. Mutualism: A Beneficial Partnership Pollination Bees and flowers benefit from pollination, where bees receive nectar and pollen, while flowers rely on bees for fertilization. Cleaner Fish Cleaner fish remove parasites from langer fish, providing them with a food source and keeping the larger fish healthy. Commensalism: One Benefits, the Other is Unharmed 1 Bamecles attach themselves to whales, gaining access to food and transportation, without harming the whales Egrets often follow cattle, eating insects disturbed by the cattle's grazing. The cattle are unaffected by the egrets 2 Parasitism: Exploiting the Host Tick and Deer Ticks feed on the blood of deer, harming the deer and potentially spreading diseases. Tapeworm and Human Tapeworms live in the intestines of humans, absorbing nutrients from the host, leading to malnutrition. Mistletoe and Tree Mistletoe grows on trees, stealing water and nutrients. eventually weakening the tree. Symbiosis in Everyday Life Gut Microbiota The bacteria in our gut help us digest food, produce vitamins, and protect us from harmful pathogens. Agriculture Nitrogen-fixing bacteria in legume roots convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for plants, increasing crop yields Bioremediation Microorganisms are used to clean up polluted environments, breaking down toxins and restoring ecosysteme. 1 2 3 The Importance of Symbiotic Relationships in Ecosystems 1 Stability Symbiotic relationships contribute to the stability and resilience of ecosystems. 2 Diversity Symbiosis promotes biodiversity and fosters complex food webs 3 Evolution Symbiotic interactions have driven the evolution of many species