Species Interactions

The effects organisms in a community have

on one another

Types of species interactions

• Predation

• Mutualism

• Competition

• Commensalism

How do species interactions affect the two species involved?

Predation

• When an animal eats another animal or plant

– Carnivores

– Herbivores

– Parasites

Carnivores• Animals that only eat other animals

Herbivores• Animals that only eat plants

Parasites• An animal or plant that

eats the tissues of another plant or animal without killing it

• The animal the parasite eats is called a host

Mutualism

• When two animals or plants interact in a way that helps both of them

Cleaner Wrasse

Symbiosis

• A type of mutualism where two organism depend on each other to survive

Competition

• When two animals or plants compete for resources, hurting both of their chances for survival

Commensalism

• When one animal or plant uses another animal or plant to help it survive, but does not affect the other animal in any way

Detritivores and Decomposers

• Plants, animals and fungi that eat and decompose dead things and poop

In your groups . . .

• You must have at least one parasite, • one herbivore, and • One carnivore