Parasitism & Mutualism Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is parasitism?

A relationship in which a parasite lives on or in a host, gaining a benefit such as food, while the host is harmed.

Name two examples of parasites.

Fleas, head lice, tapeworms or mistletoe.

What is mutualism?

A relationship between two species in which both organisms benefit.

In the mutualism between a legume plant and nitrogen-fixing bacteria in its root nodules, what does each partner gain?

The bacteria gain sugars from the plant; the plant gains nitrogen compounds (nitrates/amino acids).

In the mutualism between cleaner fish and larger fish, what does each partner gain?

The cleaner fish gain food (parasites and dead skin); the larger fish have their parasites removed and stay healthy.

True or false? A parasite usually kills its host quickly.

False. The parasite depends on the host for food and shelter, so it harms the host but usually does not kill it quickly.