Biological Interactions

BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS

"no man is an island" ... I would say no organism is a hermit - ooops! But hermits are organisms too.

Interactions between species and individuals are classified on the basis of the EFFECTS and the MECHANISM of interaction. Here, we discuss some of the different forms of biological interactions and some of its ecological importance.

Living organisms need a supply of energy in order to perform life's vital characteristics such as surviving and reproduction. The most popular source of energy is the sun. However, since not all organisms are AUTOTROPHS, organisms capable of producing food from inorganic substances, others resort to consuming those autotrophs or other organisms. They also establish relationships such as living together and sharing resources.

INTIMATE relationships between species are called symbiosis. This is regardless of whether harm is caused or not.

There are three types of symbiotic relationships: mutualism, commensalism and parasitism.

1. Mutualism: In a mutualistic relationship, both species benefit from each other. An example of this relationship is that between a tagak and a kalabaw. The tagak or the cowbird benefits from the carabao by eating the mites and ticks that live on the latter's skin. Also, the carabao benefits from the cowbird since the cowbird gets rid of the parasitic mites and ticks off the carabao's back. Key: individuals live in close association WITH MUTUAL BENEFIT.

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2. Commensalism: In commensalism, only one organism benefits while the other is not affected. A classic example for this kind of relationship is that between clown fish and the sea anemone. Since clown fish are immune from the stinging cells of sea anemone, clown fish can use sea anemone as its shelter. Despite this, sea anemone is not harmed nor befited by the clown fish's presence. Key: Individuals live in close association whereby ONE BENEFITS while the other is NOT AFFECTED.

3. Parasitism: This is a close relationship between two organisms where one benefits while the other is harmed. An example of this relationship is the one that exists between tapeworm and humans. Tapeworm, a parasite, lives inside its host, the human species. Tapeworms gets all the nourishment while depriving the human body of the same. Key: Individuals live in close association whereby ONE BENEFITS while the other is AFFECTED

An organism’s niche includes how it avoids being eaten and how it finds or captures its food. Predators are consumers that capture and eat other consumers. The prey is the organism that is captured by the predator. This relationship is referred to as Predation.

Competition is an interaction among individuals utilizing a limited resource. (Note: If resources are not limited, individuals will have nothing to compete for). Competition results to the reduced fitness of the comepting individuals. Interspecific competition occurs between species utilizing a shared resource but belonging to different taxa. Intraspecific competition exists among members of the same species.

Knowledge on these relationships makes conservation biology more responsive to the demands of biological diversity. What benefits can be obtained from our knowledge of these relationships?

For conservation biologists aiming to prevent extinction of one species, this may be enhanced if they could identify predators of their target species to prevent mortality cases. Also, knowledge on organisms with mutual relationships with their target species, would enhance survival of target species.

Man has also avoided diseases through medical advancement. These medical advancements are made possible by identifying organisms that would prey upon or have unfavorable relationship with those organisms harmful to man.

No organism lives in solitude. One way or another, it would rely on other organisms, be it plants or animals or fungi or protists or bacteria, to comply with its nourishing requirements.