Types of Ecosystem Interactions - Middle School Life Science

Which interaction is shown when a hawk captures, kills, and eats a mouse?

Predation. Hunter kills prey immediately for food.
Which interaction is described when a tick feeds on a dog's blood?

Parasitism. Tick benefits from blood while harming the dog.
What is the ecological interaction called commensalism?

Commensalism: one benefits, other unaffected (+/0). One organism gains while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
Which interaction is shown when a hawk catches and eats a mouse?

Predation. The hawk kills the mouse for food.
Identify the interaction: a hawk captures and eats a mouse.

Predation. Hawk kills mouse for food in a predator-prey relationship.
Which interaction is shown by the sign pair ( $+$ , $-$ )?

Parasitism. First organism benefits, second is harmed.
What is mutualism as an interaction between organisms?

Both organisms benefit. A win-win relationship where both species gain advantages.
Identify the interaction: a hawk catches and eats a mouse.

Predation. Hawk is predator, mouse is prey being eaten.
What is the ecological interaction called herbivory?

Herbivory: an animal feeds on plant or algae tissues. Primary consumers obtain energy from plant producers.
Identify the interaction: two plants in the same area compete for sunlight and water.

Competition. Both plants struggle for the same limited resources.
Identify the interaction: a tick feeds on a dog's blood and the dog is harmed.

Parasitism. Tick benefits from blood meal while harming the dog.
Identify the interaction: a clownfish gains protection in a sea anemone and the anemone gains nutrients.

Mutualism. Both species gain benefits from their relationship.
What is a host in a parasitic relationship?

Host: organism that provides resources and is harmed. The parasite takes nutrients and energy from this organism.
What type of interaction occurs when one species benefits and the other is harmed?

Parasitism. The parasite gains nutrients while the host suffers damage or disease.
Which interaction is shown when a tick feeds on a dog's blood?

Parasitism. Tick benefits from blood meal while dog is harmed.
Identify the interaction: a hawk captures and eats a mouse.

Predation. The hawk kills and consumes the mouse for nutrition.
What is commensalism as a type of symbiosis?

One benefits and the other is unaffected ( $+$ , $0$ ). One-sided benefit with no harm to the other.
Identify the interaction: bees get nectar while flowers are pollinated.

Mutualism. Both species gain: bees get food, flowers reproduce.
What type of interaction occurs when one organism kills and eats another organism?

Predation. One organism hunts, kills, and consumes another for food.
What term describes the organism that a parasite lives on or in and from which it obtains nutrients?

Host. This organism provides nutrients to a parasite at its own expense.
What is predation in an ecosystem interaction?

One organism kills and eats another organism (predator and prey). One organism consumes another for energy and nutrients.
Which interaction is shown when a remora rides on a shark to get food scraps, while the shark is unaffected?

Commensalism. The remora benefits from food scraps; the shark is neither helped nor harmed.
What is the term for competition between members of different species?

Interspecific competition. Competition occurs between different species.
What type of interaction occurs when one organism benefits and the other is harmed?

Parasitism. One species benefits at the expense of harming the other.
Which interaction is shown when one organism kills and eats another organism?

Predation. Fatal interaction ending in consumption.
Identify the interaction: ticks feed on a dog and reduce the dog's health.

Parasitism. Ticks benefit while dog's health declines over time.
Which interaction is shown when two lions fight over the same prey?

Competition. Both lions are harmed by fighting for limited food.
What type of interaction occurs when one organism benefits and the other is unaffected?

Commensalism. One species benefits while the other experiences no effect.
Which interaction is described by $-$ / $-$ effects on two species?

Competition. Both organisms are harmed when competing for resources.
Identify the interaction: two bird species use the same nesting sites in one area.

Interspecific competition. Different species competing for same resource.
Identify the interaction: a tick feeds on a dog's blood, weakening the dog over time.

Parasitism. The tick benefits by feeding while harming the dog host.
What is the ecological interaction called commensalism?

Commensalism: one benefits, the other is unaffected (+/0). Like barnacles on whales - no harm done.
Which interaction is shown when a hawk captures and eats a mouse?

Predation. Hawk kills mouse for food in a predator-prey relationship.
What is a limiting resource in the context of competition?

A resource in short supply that restricts population growth. Scarcity drives competition and limits growth.
Which interaction is shown when two species use the same limited resource such as food or space?

Competition. Both need the same scarce resource.
What is competition between organisms?

Organisms compete for the same limited resource. Both organisms need the same scarce resource to survive.
Which interaction is described by $+$ / $-$ effects on two species?

Parasitism (or predation, depending on whether prey is killed). One gains while the other loses in this interaction.
Which interaction is most likely when two species use the same limited food source in the same habitat?

Competition. Sharing limited resources creates conflict between species.
What is the difference between a predator and a parasite?

Predator kills prey; parasite harms a host over time without quick death. Key difference is immediate death versus prolonged harm.
Which interaction best matches: two male deer fight for access to mates in a herd?

Competition (intraspecific competition). Same species competing for breeding rights.
What is a host in a parasitism relationship?

The organism that is harmed and provides resources to the parasite. It loses resources to the parasite living on/in it.
Which interaction is shown when a tick feeds on a dog and the dog becomes ill?

Parasitism. Tick benefits from blood meal while harming the dog.
Which interaction is shown when a tick feeds on a dog's blood?

Parasitism. The tick benefits by feeding while harming the dog.
What is scavenging as an organism interaction?

An organism feeds on dead organisms or remains. Scavengers consume already-dead organisms they didn't kill.
Which interaction is shown when vultures eat leftovers from a dead animal?

Scavenging. Vultures feed on carrion they didn't kill themselves.
Which interaction is described when a deer eats grass, reducing the grass population?

Herbivory. Deer acts as primary consumer feeding on producers.
Which interaction is shown when two plants in a dry area compete for water?

Competition. Both plants suffer from sharing limited water resources.
Identify the interaction: two male deer fight for access to mates in the same habitat.

Competition. Same species competing for mates, harming both competitors.
Identify the interaction: a lion and hyena both try to take the same carcass for food.

Competition. Both predators want the same food resource.
Which three interactions are considered symbioses?

Mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. These are the three types of symbiotic relationships.
What is herbivory as an ecosystem interaction?

An animal eats plant or algae tissues. Plant is harmed while herbivore gains nutrition.
What is predation in an ecosystem interaction?

Predation: one organism kills and eats another (+/−). Predator consumes prey for energy.
What is herbivory as an interaction among organisms?

Herbivory: an animal eats a plant or algae (+/−). Plant-eating is a type of predation.
What type of competition occurs between members of the same species for mates or territory?

Intraspecific competition. Members of one species compete for resources like mates or space.
What is the term for a close, long-term relationship between two different species?

Symbiosis. Species live together in an intimate, lasting association.
Which symbiotic interaction is best described as "win-win"?

Mutualism. Both organisms benefit equally from the relationship.
Which symbiotic interaction benefits both species: mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism?

Mutualism. Both partners receive benefits in this symbiotic relationship.
Identify the interaction: barnacles attach to a whale for transport, and the whale is not affected.

Commensalism. Barnacles benefit from transport without affecting the whale.
Identify the interaction where one benefits and the other is harmed.

Parasitism. One organism benefits at the expense of another.
Identify the interaction: barnacles attach to a whale and the whale is not affected.

Commensalism. Barnacles gain transport; whale experiences no impact.
Which interaction is shown when a hawk catches and eats a mouse?

Predation. Hawk benefits by eating mouse; mouse is killed.
What is herbivory as an interaction between organisms?

An animal eats plants or algae. Primary consumers feed on producers like plants.
Which interaction is described when two hawks hunt the same rabbits in one area?

Competition. Both hawks need the same limited prey resource.
What is the definition of predation in an ecosystem interaction?

One organism kills and eats another organism (prey). Predator gains energy while prey loses its life.
What type of interaction occurs when both species benefit from the relationship?

Mutualism. Both organisms gain advantages from their partnership.
What is commensalism as a relationship between two species?

One benefits and the other is unaffected. Only one organism gains advantage without affecting the other.
What type of interaction occurs when one organism kills and eats another organism?

Predation. The predator consumes prey for food and energy.
What is predation as an interaction between organisms?

One organism kills and eats another organism (prey). The predator benefits while prey is harmed and killed.
Which three interaction types are classified as symbiosis?

Mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism. These are the three types of symbiotic relationships.
Identify the interaction: a bee gets nectar and a flower gets pollinated.

Mutualism. Both species benefit: bee gets food, flower reproduces.
What is prey?

An organism that is hunted and eaten by a predator. It serves as food for predators in the food chain.
What is the definition of competition between organisms in an ecosystem?

Two organisms use the same limited resource, reducing access for both. Limited resources create conflict between organisms.
Identify the interaction: a remora rides a shark and eats leftover food; shark is unaffected.

Commensalism. Remora benefits from food scraps; shark is unaffected.
Identify the interaction: a hawk catches and eats a mouse.

Predation. The hawk kills the mouse for food.
What term describes a predator-prey interaction where the prey is a plant?

Herbivory. A specific type of predation where animals consume plants.
What is the term for competition between members of the same species?

Intraspecific competition. Competition occurs within the same species.
What is the term for the organism that is hunted and eaten in predation?

Prey. The organism that is hunted and consumed by predators.
What is the ecological interaction called when both species benefit from the relationship?

Mutualism. Both organisms gain benefits from their interaction.
Identify the interaction: fungi infect a tree and reduce its growth while gaining nutrients.

Parasitism. Fungi benefit while harming the tree's health.
Identify the interaction: both species are harmed because they need the same limited resource.

Competition (−/−). Both lose energy competing for scarce resources.
Which interaction is described by: Organism A benefits; Organism B benefits?

Mutualism. Both organisms receive benefits from interacting.
Identify the interaction: a tick feeds on a deer and the deer loses blood and may get sick.

Parasitism. The tick benefits by feeding while harming the deer host.
What is a parasite in a parasite-host interaction?

An organism that benefits by living on or in a host. Lives at the expense of another organism without killing it.
Which interaction is shown when one organism benefits by harming a living host?

Parasitism. Long-term feeding relationship that weakens host.
What is the ecological interaction called parasitism?

Parasitism: parasite benefits, host is harmed (+/−). Parasite takes nutrients without killing quickly.
What is parasitism as a type of symbiosis?

One benefits and the host is harmed ( $+$ , $-$ ). Parasite gains nutrients at host's expense.
What is an omnivore?

A consumer that eats both producers and consumers. Has a varied diet including both plant and animal matter.
Identify the interaction: two plant species use the same limited sunlight and water.

Competition. Both plants need the same resources that are limited.
Identify the interaction: a deer eats grass in a meadow.

Herbivory. The deer consumes plant material without killing it.
Which interaction is shown when fungi break down a fallen log into simpler materials?

Decomposition. Fungi recycle nutrients by breaking down dead wood.
What is symbiosis in ecology?

A close, long-term relationship between different species. Includes mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
What is competition in an ecosystem?

Organisms vie for the same limited resource. Both organisms need the same scarce resources to survive.
Which interaction is shown when one species benefits and the other is not affected?

Commensalism. One gains, other remains neutral.
Which interaction is shown when one species benefits and the other is not affected?

Commensalism. One gains while the other remains neutral.
Identify the interaction: bacteria in the human gut help digestion and get food.

Mutualism. Both bacteria and human benefit from relationship.
What is a producer (autotroph) in a food relationship?

An organism that makes its own food, usually by photosynthesis. Forms the base of food chains by converting sunlight to energy.
Which interaction best matches: two male deer fight for mates during breeding season?

Competition. Males compete for limited mating opportunities.
What term describes a close, long-term relationship between two different species?

Symbiosis. Any close, long-lasting relationship between different species.
Which interaction best matches: bees get nectar while pollinating flowering plants?

Mutualism. Bees get food; plants get pollination service.
Identify the interaction: a barnacle attaches to a whale and the whale is unaffected.

Commensalism. Barnacle benefits from transport; whale unharmed.
Which interaction is shown when barnacles live on a whale and the whale is unaffected?

Commensalism. Barnacles get transportation; whale isn't helped or harmed.
Which interaction is shown when barnacles attach to a whale and the whale is not helped or harmed?

Commensalism. Barnacles benefit from transport; whale is unaffected.
Identify the interaction: a tick feeds on a dog and makes the dog weaker.

Parasitism. Tick benefits while harming the dog host.
Which interaction is shown by the sign pair ( $+$ , $+$ )?

Mutualism. Both organisms benefit from the interaction.
Identify the interaction where one benefits and the other is unaffected.

Commensalism. One species benefits while the other experiences no effect.
What is the ecological interaction called predation?

Predation: predator kills and eats prey. One organism hunts and consumes another for food.
Which interaction is described when a lion kills and eats a zebra?

Predation. Lion is predator, zebra is prey in this lethal interaction.
What is the difference between predation and parasitism in the outcome for the prey/host?

Predation kills prey; parasitism usually does not kill the host quickly. Predators need prey dead; parasites need hosts alive.
Identify the interaction: barnacles attach to a whale; barnacles benefit and whale is unaffected.

Commensalism. Barnacles gain transport and feeding opportunities.
What is the ecological interaction called predation?

One organism kills and eats another organism (predator and prey). A consumer-resource interaction where energy transfers up the food chain.
Which interaction is shown when one species benefits and the other is harmed but not usually killed?

Parasitism. Host suffers but survives this harmful relationship.
Which interaction best matches: a remora rides a shark and gains food scraps, shark unaffected?

Commensalism. Remora benefits from food without affecting shark.
What is prey in a predator-prey interaction?

The organism that is hunted and eaten. It serves as food for the predator.
Which interaction is described by $+$ / $+$ effects on two species?

Mutualism. Both organisms gain benefits from their interaction.
What is a predator?

An organism that hunts, kills, and eats prey. It actively seeks and consumes other organisms for food.
Identify the interaction: a remora rides a shark and eats leftover food; the shark is unaffected.

Commensalism. The remora benefits from food scraps without affecting the shark.
What is prey in a predator-prey interaction?

The organism that is hunted and eaten. The hunted organism in predator-prey dynamics.
What is a host in a parasite-host interaction?

The organism that the parasite lives on or in and harms. Provides resources unwillingly to the parasite.
Which interaction is shown when both species gain resources or protection?

Mutualism. Both organisms receive benefits.
What is the difference between predation and parasitism?

Predation kills prey; parasitism usually does not kill host. Predators need prey dead; parasites need hosts alive.
What is the predator in a predator-prey interaction?

The organism that hunts, kills, and eats the prey. It actively captures other organisms for food.
Which interaction is shown by signs: Species A (+), Species B (-)?

Parasitism. Plus for A, minus for B means A benefits, B is harmed.
Which interaction is described by: Organism A benefits; Organism B is harmed?

Parasitism. One gains resources while the other loses them.
Which symbiotic interaction benefits one species and harms the other: mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism?

Parasitism. The parasite gains while the host suffers harm.
What is the ecological interaction called when one organism benefits and the other is harmed?

Parasitism. One gains benefits at the expense of the other.
What type of interaction benefits both organisms involved?

Mutualism. Both species gain advantages from their relationship.
What is the ecological interaction called when both organisms are negatively affected by sharing limited resources?

Competition. Both species suffer when competing for scarce resources.
What is a predator in a predator-prey interaction?

The organism that hunts, kills, and eats another organism. It actively seeks out prey for food.
Identify the interaction: one species benefits while the other species is harmed.

Parasitism (+/−). Classic example where one gains and one loses.
Which interaction best matches: a tick feeds on a dog's blood and weakens the dog?

Parasitism. Tick harms dog while feeding on blood.
What is commensalism in terms of who benefits and who is harmed?

One benefits; the other is unaffected. Only one organism gains an advantage.
Which interaction is shown when both species have increased survival or reproduction?

Mutualism. Both species thrive together in this cooperative relationship.
Which interaction best matches: bees get nectar while flowers are pollinated?

Mutualism. Both species gain: bees get food, flowers reproduce.
What is the term for the organism that lives on or in a host and benefits in parasitism?

Parasite. Lives on or inside another organism, causing harm.
What is mutualism as a type of symbiosis?

Both organisms benefit ( $+$ , $+$ ). A win-win symbiotic relationship.
What term describes an organism that is hunted, killed, and eaten by another organism?

Prey. This organism serves as food for predators in the food chain.
What is a symbiotic relationship in ecology?

A close, long-term interaction between different species. Includes mutualism, commensalism, and parasitism.
Which type of competition occurs between members of different species?

Interspecific competition. Different species competing for resources.
Which interaction is shown when two species require the same limited food source?

Competition. Both lose energy fighting for scarce resources.
What term describes a close, long-term relationship between two different species?

Symbiosis. Living together in close physical association.
Which interaction is shown when two plants in a desert compete for water?

Competition. Both plants need the same limited water resource.
What is a consumer (heterotroph) in a food relationship?

An organism that gets energy by eating other organisms. Cannot produce their own food and must consume others.
Which interaction is shown when two male deer of the same species fight for access to females?

Intraspecific competition. Same-species males compete for mating opportunities.
Which interaction is shown when vultures feed on a dead deer left by predators?

Scavenging. Vultures feed on carrion they didn't kill themselves.
What is the term for the organism that hunts, kills, and eats other organisms?

Predator. Actively hunts other organisms for food.
What type of interaction occurs when one species benefits and the other species is harmed?

Parasitism. One organism benefits at the expense of the other's health.
Which interaction is described when a fungus infects a plant and reduces its growth?

Parasitism. Fungus gains nutrients while damaging plant health.
What is a host in a parasitic interaction?

The organism that the parasite lives on or in and harms. Provides resources unwillingly to the parasite.
What is the ecological interaction called scavenging?

Scavenging: feeding on dead animals (carrion). Organisms obtain nutrients from already-dead animals.
What is the difference between a predator and prey?

Predator hunts; prey is hunted and eaten. Active hunter vs. organism being consumed.
Identify the interaction type when two plants in the same soil compete for water and light.

Competition. Both plants need same resources in limited supply.
Which interaction is shown when barnacles attach to whales with no effect on whales?

Commensalism. Barnacles gain transport; whales are unaffected.
What is competition between organisms in an ecosystem?

Competition: both are harmed by sharing limited resources (−/−). Fighting for same resources hurts both.
What is predation in an ecosystem?

One organism kills and eats another organism. The predator consumes prey for energy and nutrients.
What type of interaction occurs when both species benefit from the relationship?

Mutualism. Both organisms gain benefits like food, protection, or reproduction help.
Which interaction best matches: a tick feeds on a dog's blood and the dog is harmed?

Parasitism. Tick takes blood, weakening but not killing the dog.
What is competition in an ecosystem interaction?

Two or more organisms use the same limited resource. This creates negative effects for both organisms competing.
What is a parasite in a parasitism relationship?

The organism that benefits by living on or in a host. It takes nutrients from another organism to survive.
Identify the interaction: two plants in the same area both need the same sunlight and water.

Competition. Both plants compete for the same limited resources.
What is the ecological interaction called mutualism?

Mutualism: both species benefit (+/+). Both organisms gain advantages from their relationship.
What term describes competition between different species for the same resource?

Interspecific competition. Competition between individuals of different species.
What is the difference between mutualism and commensalism in who benefits?

Mutualism: both benefit; commensalism: only one benefits. Key difference is whether both organisms gain.
Which interaction is shown when a clownfish gains protection in an anemone and the anemone gains food scraps?

Mutualism. Both species benefit: clownfish gets shelter, anemone gets food.
What is the ecological interaction called when one species benefits and the other is neither helped nor harmed?

Commensalism. One benefits while the other remains unaffected.
Identify the interaction: a tick feeds on a dog and the dog is harmed.

Parasitism. The tick benefits by feeding while the dog suffers.
What type of interaction benefits one organism while the other is unaffected?

Commensalism. One species gains while the other experiences no effect.
Identify the interaction: a deer eats grass in a meadow.

Herbivory. Deer gains nutrition while grass is consumed.
Which interaction is shown by signs: Species A (+), Species B (0)?

Commensalism. Plus for A, zero for B means A benefits, B unaffected.
What is mutualism in an ecosystem interaction?

Both species benefit (+/+). A win-win relationship where both organisms gain advantages.
Identify the interaction: two male deer fight for access to mates.

Competition. Both deer want the same limited mating opportunity.
Identify the interaction: two lions fight over the same territory and mates.

Competition. Both lions are harmed by fighting for limited resources.
Which interaction is shown when two plants in a desert compete for water?

Competition. Both plants need the same limited water resource.
What is commensalism in an ecosystem interaction?

One benefits, the other is unaffected (+/0). One organism gains while the other neither benefits nor suffers.
Which interaction is shown when barnacles attach to a whale and the whale is not helped or harmed?

Commensalism. Barnacles gain transportation and feeding spots; whale is unaffected.
What is the ecological interaction called competition?

Competition: organisms vie for the same limited resource. Both organisms are negatively affected by sharing resources.
What is mutualism in terms of who benefits and who is harmed?

Both organisms benefit. A win-win relationship for both species.
What is parasitism in terms of who benefits and who is harmed?

Parasite benefits; host is harmed. The parasite feeds on the host, causing damage.
What is mutualism as a relationship between two species?

Both species benefit from the interaction. Creates a win-win situation for both organisms.
What is commensalism in an ecosystem interaction?

One organism benefits; the other is unaffected. A (+/0) interaction with no harm or benefit to the host.
Which interaction is described by: Organism A benefits; Organism B is unaffected?

Commensalism. One gains advantages while the other is neutral.
Which interaction is shown when a tick feeds on a dog's blood?

Parasitism. The tick benefits by feeding while harming the dog host.
What type of interaction occurs when both species are harmed because they use the same limited resource?

Competition. Both organisms suffer as they fight for the same scarce resource.
Which interaction is shown when a deer eats leaves from a shrub?

Herbivory. Deer consumes plant material as a primary consumer.
Which interaction is shown when barnacles live on a whale and the whale is unaffected?

Commensalism. Barnacles benefit from transport; whale is unharmed.
Which interaction is shown by signs: Species A (+), Species B (+)?

Mutualism. Plus signs for both species indicate mutual benefit.
What is a predator in a predator-prey interaction?

The organism that hunts, kills, and eats another. Active hunter in the predator-prey relationship.
Which interaction is shown by the sign pair ( $+$ , $0$ )?

Commensalism. First organism benefits, second unaffected.
What is predation as an interaction between organisms?

One organism kills and eats another organism. The predator consumes the prey for food.
Which interaction is shown when a tapeworm absorbs nutrients inside a human intestine?

Parasitism. The tapeworm gains nutrients while the human loses them.
Which interaction is shown when wolves and cougars in the same area hunt the same deer population?

Interspecific competition. Different predator species compete for the same prey resource.
What is herbivory as an ecological interaction?

An animal eats plants or algae, usually without killing them. Herbivores consume plant matter as their food source.
Which interaction is described when bees get nectar and flowers get pollinated?

Mutualism. Both species gain: bees get food, flowers reproduce.
What is an herbivore?

A consumer that eats producers (plants or algae). Primary consumers that feed exclusively on plant matter.
What is the ecological interaction called herbivory?

An animal eats plant or algal material, harming the producer. Primary consumers feed on producers, controlling plant populations.
Which interaction is shown when a hawk captures and eats a mouse?

Predation. The hawk benefits by eating while the mouse dies.
What is the term for the organism that hunts and eats another organism in predation?

Predator. The hunter that kills and consumes other organisms.
Which interaction is shown when a clownfish gains protection in a sea anemone and the anemone benefits too?

Mutualism. Both species benefit from their protective relationship.
What is mutualism in an ecosystem interaction?

Both organisms benefit from the interaction. A (+/+) interaction where cooperation enhances survival.
What is the term for the organism that a parasite lives on or in and harms?

Host. The organism that harbors and is harmed by a parasite.
What term describes an organism that lives on or in a host and gets nutrients at the host's expense?

Parasite. This organism feeds on a host, causing harm while gaining nutrients.
What type of interaction benefits one organism while harming the other, usually without killing it quickly?

Parasitism. The parasite feeds on the host without immediate death.
What is the term for the organism that a parasite lives on or in and from which it takes nutrients?

Host. The organism that provides nutrients to a parasite.
What is parasitism in an ecosystem interaction?

One benefits while the host is harmed, usually not killed quickly. Parasite gains nutrients while weakening the host organism.
What is the prey in a predator-prey interaction?

The organism that is hunted and eaten. It serves as food for another organism.
Which interaction is described when bacteria in human intestines help digestion and gain food?

Mutualism. Both benefit: bacteria get habitat, humans get digestion help.
Identify the interaction: barnacles attach to a whale; whale is not affected.

Commensalism. Barnacles gain a mobile surface without harming whale.
What is competition in an ecosystem interaction?

Two or more organisms use the same limited resource. Both organisms need the same thing that's in short supply.
What type of interaction occurs when both organisms benefit from the relationship?

Mutualism. Both species gain benefits from their interaction.
Identify the interaction: a caterpillar eats leaves from a plant, reducing the plant's growth.

Herbivory. The caterpillar feeds on plant tissue, harming the plant.
What is competition between organisms in an ecosystem?

Both are harmed by competing for a limited resource (−/−). Organisms struggle for the same scarce resources like food or space.
What type of competition occurs between different species that need the same resource?

Interspecific competition. Different species compete for the same limited resources.
What is a parasite in a parasitic interaction?

The organism that benefits by living on or in a host. Exploits the host for nutrients without immediate killing.
Which interaction is described when a remora rides a shark and eats leftover scraps?

Commensalism. Remora benefits from transport and food; shark unaffected.
Which interaction is shown when a hawk catches and eats a mouse?

Predation. The hawk kills and consumes the mouse for food.
What term describes an organism that hunts, kills, and eats another organism?

Predator. This organism actively hunts and consumes other organisms for food.
Identify the interaction: bees get nectar while pollinating flowers, helping both species.

Mutualism. Bees get food while helping flowers reproduce through pollination.
Identify the interaction: two plants in a field compete for sunlight and water.

Competition. Plants compete for the same limited resources.
Which interaction is described when barnacles live on a whale and the whale is unaffected?

Commensalism. Barnacles gain substrate; whale experiences no effect.
Identify the interaction: bees get nectar and flowers are pollinated.

Mutualism. Both species gain from the interaction.
Which symbiotic interaction is best described as "win-neutral"?

Commensalism. One benefits while the other is neither helped nor harmed.
Which symbiotic interaction is best described as "win-lose"?

Parasitism. One organism benefits while actively harming the other.
Which interaction is shown when a deer eats leaves from a living shrub?

Herbivory. Consumer eats parts of living plants.
What type of interaction occurs when one species benefits and the other is unaffected?

Commensalism. One organism gains a benefit while the other experiences no effect.
Which interaction is shown when two plant species compete for sunlight in a dense forest canopy?

Competition. Both plants are harmed as they struggle for limited sunlight.
What is a carnivore?

A consumer that eats other consumers (animals). Secondary or tertiary consumers that hunt other animals.
What is decomposition as an ecosystem interaction?

Decomposers break down dead matter and recycle nutrients. Essential for nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
What is commensalism as an interaction between organisms?

One benefits; the other is unaffected. A one-sided benefit with no harm or help to the other.
Which symbiotic interaction benefits one species and does not affect the other: mutualism, commensalism, or parasitism?

Commensalism. One species gains benefits without affecting its partner.
What is a parasite in a parasitic relationship?

Parasite: organism that benefits by living on or in a host. Takes nutrients while weakening or sickening the host.
Which interaction best matches: remora fish rides a shark and eats leftover scraps?

Commensalism. Remora benefits; shark unaffected by hitchhiker.
What is parasitism as an interaction between organisms?

Parasite benefits; host is harmed. Parasites take nutrients without killing their host.
Identify the interaction where two organisms both benefit.

Mutualism. Both species gain advantages from their interaction.
What is the term for an organism that lives on or in a host and gains nutrients from it?

Parasite. Lives on or inside another organism, taking its nutrients.
What type of interaction occurs when organisms compete for the same limited resource?

Competition. Both organisms need the same scarce resource to survive.
What is a predator in a predator-prey interaction?

The organism that hunts, kills, and eats the prey. The consumer in a predator-prey relationship.
Which type of competition occurs between members of the same species?

Intraspecific competition. Same species competing for resources.
What is the term for the organism that lives on or in a host and benefits at the host's expense?

Parasite. Lives on/in another organism, taking nutrients.
What term describes competition between members of the same species for resources?

Intraspecific competition. Competition between individuals of the same species.
What is a parasite?

An organism that lives on or in a host and harms it. It depends on the host for nutrients while causing damage.
What is symbiosis?

A close, long-term relationship between different species. Species live together in an ongoing relationship.
What is prey in a predator-prey interaction?

The organism that is hunted and eaten by the predator. The resource organism in a predator-prey relationship.
Which interaction is shown by a tick feeding on a dog and weakening the dog over time?

Parasitism. The tick benefits by feeding on blood while harming the dog's health.
Identify the interaction: two male deer fight for access to mates.

Intraspecific competition. Same species competing for reproductive success.
What is the ecological interaction called decomposition?

Decomposition: decomposers break down dead matter and wastes. Returns nutrients to soil by breaking down organic material.
What is the ecological interaction called competition?

Organisms vie for the same limited resource (food, space, mates). Reduces fitness of both species when resources are scarce.
What is the ecological interaction called parasitism?

Parasitism: parasite benefits, host harmed (+/−). One organism lives at the expense of another organism.
Which interaction is described by $+$ / $0$ effects on two species?

Commensalism. One benefits while the other experiences no effect.
What is the term for the organism that a predator hunts and eats?

Prey. The organism that serves as food for predators.
What is a symbiotic relationship?

A close, long-term relationship between different species. Species live together in an ongoing association.
What is a host in a parasitic relationship?

The organism that the parasite lives on or in. It provides resources to the parasite, often unwillingly.
What is predation in an ecosystem interaction?

One organism kills and eats another (+/−). A predator hunts, captures, and consumes prey for energy.
What is the term for the organism that a parasite lives on or in and harms?

Host. Provides resources unwillingly to a parasite.
What type of interaction occurs when two organisms use the same limited resource, harming both?

Competition. Both species are harmed when competing for limited resources.
What is the ecological interaction called mutualism?

Mutualism: both organisms benefit (+/+). Both species gain from the relationship.

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