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Relationships and Interactions in Biology Essay

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Biology essay – Relationships and interactions
There are many different types of relationships and interactions between organisms. Every organism is in some way connected or associated with another. Some organisms need to depend on other organisms to survive which shows how important some of these relationships or interactions can be in biology. Interaction is a vital part of how many organisms develop over time.
Predation is a main example of a relationship between organisms. Predation involves predators and prey, such as a fox catching and eating a rabbit. There are two other forms of predation called, parasitism and grazing. Parasitism is where the host organism is exploited and used for benefit by the other organism called a …show more content…

Lichens are another example of mutualism. Lichens are formed by algae and fungi living together and they both help each other. Algae can photosynthesise and make food, which is shared by the fungus. The fungus in turn shelters the algae from a harsh climate.
Commensalism is when one species can benefit from a relationship and not hurt the other. There are four different main types; chemical, inquilinism, metabiosis and phoresy. Chemical commensalism is most often observed between bacteria. It involves the species of one bacteria feeding on the chemicals produced or the waste products of the other bacteria. Inquilinism involves one species using the body of another organism as a platform or living space while the host does not benefit or is harmed. Metabiosis occurs when one species unintentionally creates a home for another species through one of its normal life activities. A phoresy takes place when one organism attaches to another organism specifically for the purpose of gaining transportation. An example of commensalism (inquilinism) is barnacles and whales. Barnacles are non-moving and they rely on currents to bring them food. Some barnacles attach themselves to whales in order to help them live. They can benefit as they are then transported over the ocean which exposes them to more feeding oppurtunities. The whale neither benefits or is harmed by the barnacles.
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