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A Field Guide to Friends, Frenemies, and Other Symbiotic Animal Relationships

Dashawn Hayes

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Published in Natural Attraction: A Field Guide To Friends Frenemies And Other Symbiotic Animal Relationships

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In the animal kingdom, there are all sorts of relationships that exist between different species. Some of these relationships are friendly, while others are more competitive. And then there are those relationships that exist somewhere in between, where two different species depend on each other to some extent. These are the relationships that we'll be exploring in this article, as we take a closer look at the field guide to friends, frenemies, and other symbiotic animal relationships.

Natural Attraction: A Field Guide to Friends, Frenemies, and Other Symbiotic Animal Relationships

by Iris Gottlieb

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	181188 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Print length	:	145 pages

Mutualism

Mutualism is a symbiotic relationship in which both species benefit from their association. One of the most famous examples of mutualism is the relationship between ants and aphids. Ants protect aphids from predators and parasites, while aphids provide ants with honeydew, a sugary substance that ants love to eat. Another example of mutualism is the relationship between clownfish and anemones. Clownfish live among the tentacles of anemones, which provide them with protection from predators. In return, clownfish help to clean the anemones of debris and parasites.

Commensalism

Commensalism is a symbiotic relationship in which one species benefits from the association, while the other species is neither harmed nor benefited. One example of commensalism is the relationship between barnacles and whales. Barnacles attach themselves to the skin of whales, where they can feed on the whale's food scraps and debris. The whale does not benefit from the barnacles, but it is not harmed by them either.

Parasitism

Parasitism is a symbiotic relationship in which one species (the parasite) benefits from the association, while the other species (the host) is harmed. One example of parasitism is the relationship between tapeworms and humans. Tapeworms live in the intestines of humans, where they absorb nutrients from the food that the human eats. The tapeworms do not provide any benefit to the human, and they can cause a variety of health problems, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Frenemies

Frenemies are a special type of symbiotic relationship that exists between two species that are both competitors and cooperators. One example of a frenemy relationship is the relationship between lions and hyenas. Lions and hyenas are both predators that compete for the same food resources. However, they also cooperate with each other to some extent, such as when they work together to scavenge for food.

Symbiotic Relationships in the Animal Kingdom

Symbiotic relationships are a common occurrence in the animal kingdom. These relationships can take many different forms, and they can have a significant impact on the lives of the species involved. Some symbiotic relationships are beneficial for both species, while others are only beneficial for one species. And still other symbiotic relationships are downright harmful. No matter what their form, symbiotic relationships are a fascinating part of the natural world, and they can teach us a lot about the complex interactions that exist between different species.

Natural Attraction: A Field Guide to Friends, Frenemies, and Other Symbiotic Animal Relationships

by Iris Gottlieb

4.3 out of 5