symbiosis and commensalism - Skyline E-Learning

WHAT ARE SYMBIOSIS AND COMMENSALISM? SYMBIOSIS.

Symbiosis is a close association between two organisms in which the two of them benefit from the association.

Symbiosis is therefore a beneficial association where each member is called a SYMBIONT in symbiosis and commensalism association

Examples of symbiosis and commensalism association

alga and fungus in a lichen is an example of symbiosis and commensalism association
Lichen is made up of two organisms, namely a fungus and a green alga which live in a close relationship or association

In this association, the alga benefits because the fungus encloses and protects it from physical damage and from drying up. The alga uses some of the water absorbed by the fungus while the fungus benefits by using part of the food manufactured by the green alga

PROTOZOA IN THE INTESTINE OF TERMITES IS A TYPES OF SYMBIOSIS AND COMMENSALISM

The protozoa help the termite which is a biting and chewing insect to digest the cellulose in the food while protozoa are protected by the termites

NITROGEN FIXATION BACTERIA IN THE ROOT NODULES OF LEGUMINOUS PLANTS

A bacterium called Rhizobium leguminosarium living in the root nodules of leguminous plants obtains nutrients from the cells of the host plant, grows and reproduces there.

In return, the rhizobium fixes nitrogen directly into the plant from the atmosphere, thereby increasing the nitrogen requirement of leguminous plants AS A TYPE OF symbiosis and commensalism association

BACTERIA IN THE RUMEN OF RUMINANTS TYPE OF SYMBIOSIS ASSOCIATION

Bacteria and other protozoa n the rumen of ruminant animals like cattle, goats and sheep help the ruminant to digest cellulose to sugars, and synthesize amino acids and other vitamins from other substances while ruminant in turn provide protection, shelter and food for the bacteria

FLOWERS AND INSECTS

Insects obtain food from flowers in the form of pollen and nectars while in turn, the insects brings about cross-pollination in the plant they visit, thus enabling plants to produce sexually

WHAT IS THE COMMENSALISM TYPE OF ASSOCIATION?

What is commensalism?
Commensalism is a relationship or association between two organisms of different species, in which one, the commensal, benefits while the other, the host, is not adversely affected in any way.

This form of relationship between two organisms has no known effects on each of the organisms involved.
It is simply stated that commensalism is an association between two organisms in which one of the organisms known as the commensal benefits from the union and the other is harmed or affected in any way.

EXAMPLES OF COMMENSALISM ASSOCIATION

remora fish and shark type of symbiosis and commensalism association

The remora fish attaches itself to the body of a shark which carries it about.

The remora fish feeds on the food particles left over by the shark, by so doing the remora obtains food, protection and shelter from the shark whereas the shark is neither harmed nor benefitted from the association.

oyster and crab type of relationship

The habitation of a crab is in the Oyster shell in which case the crab is protected yet no harm is done to the Oyster

man and intestinal bacteria type of symbiosis and commensalism relationship

Some bacteria in the large intestine of man feed on digested food there. The bacteria receive food and protection from the man whereas the man neither gains nor suffers any disadvantage from the presence of the bacteria

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